Graffiti At Diablo Vista Middle School Threatens Campus Shooting

DANVILLE, CA — Graffiti found inside a girls' bathroom at Diablo Vista Middle School in Danville that threatened a school shooting has prompted a police investigation, although the campus remained in session Tuesday. The restroom scrawl read, "Shooting tomorrow my brother said 5-21-19." The graffiti was discovered Monday.

In a letter to Diablo Vista parents on Monday, Principal Rebecca Ingram said there was no evidence to suggest the threat was credible:

I want you to be aware that today, at about 2:20 p.m., graffiti was found in the girls’ bathroom near the multipurpose room that stated, “shooting tomorrow my brother said 5/21/19.” Danville Police were immediately contacted and are investigating, along with school administration.

We share these investigations with you to keep you informed. Know that we are taking this very seriously and will keep you updated. We recognize that these situations are unsettling and we want you to know that the safety of students and staff is our highest priority. We are grateful that once again a student did the right thing and upon finding the graffiti, immediately contacted a staff member.

Danville Police will increase their presence at the school significantly tomorrow as a precaution. Even though there is no evidence to suggest the threat is credible, Danville Police will increase their presence on campus tomorrow. Copycat incidents are a real thing, but we have no official determination, yet, one way or the other. We understand how disturbing such reports can be and respect that a number of families may choose to keep their children home from school tomorrow.

One of our best investigative tools has been through students reporting information to an adult. Anyone with any information that may help our investigation should contact me at (925) 803-3210. Also, information can be reported anonymously through our online Anonymous Tipline.

We will keep you informed of any developments that take place. Communicating with you, to the best of our ability, continues to be a top priority at Diablo Vista Middle School.

We share these investigations with you to keep you informed. Know that we are taking this very seriously and will keep you updated. We recognize that these situations are unsettling and we want you to know that the safety of students and staff is our highest priority. We are grateful that once again a student did the right thing and upon finding the graffiti, immediately contacted a staff member."

Police and city officials say they are continuing to investigate the threat. "Our first and foremost priority is the safety of our community, which is why we will always take threats like these seriously," said Town of Danville spokesman Geoff Gillette.

The Diablo incident comes after multiple threats were made at California High School in San Ramon. As a result of those incidents, additional cameras are being installed on the high school campus. Cal High Principal Christopher George said school officials identified and punished the four students suspected of writing some of the threats. Click here to read the full report about the recent California High School threats.