Extra Police At Beaumont High For Pep Rally After 'Threat'

BEAUMONT, CA — An extra police presence was deployed Friday to Beaumont High School as students prepared to gather for a Homecoming pep rally that was the target of a threat this week, officials say. The threat — which turned out to be a prank, according to police — still managed to spark a bit of fear among some parents Patch spoke with.

The pep rally was scheduled to happen at 8:40 a.m. for half of the school's students, and then be repeated again at 9:55 a.m., according to the school's website. The homecoming game is slated for 7 p.m. against Desert Hot Springs.

The "threat" of violence all started on Tuesday, when police say they were notified by a concerned parent about a possible plan of attack.

"The student told another student that he planned to 'shoot up the school during the prep rally'," police said in a news release this week. "Based on the threat of violence, officers initiated the County’s Kids with Guns Protocol in an effort to ensure the safety of students and staff members at the high school."

Police say they got in touch with the student at his home, where he admitted to making the threat, but as a "prank."

"Beaumont Police Officers will have a visible police presence at the high school throughout the rest of the week and at the prep rally Friday to ease potential concerns from students and parents," the agency said.

The student was not identified, but police say that he may face charges pending the outcome of their investigation. The school district will not say what possible repercussions the student will face within Beaumont Unified, due to confidentiality reasons.

BUSD did send out an alert to parents. This is the message that went out to BHS parents via a phone call and email:

Good evening parents,

Today, Beaumont High School received numerous calls and heard from a number of students expressing concern regarding a possible threat at Friday's rally.

Beaumont High School administration along with Beaumont Police Department conducted an investigation and determined the comments are not a credible threat. Please be reassured that safety is our number one priority and all inappropriate comments and/or threats are taken seriously and full investigated.

Beaumont Police Department will be on campus the next few days to reinforce student safety.

We look forward to a fun and school spirited rally this Friday. If you have any other concerns or questions, please do not hesitate to contact the school.

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Patch file photo by Renee Schiavone