School Shooting Threat Prompts Increased Security Across LA Region

LOS ANGELES, CA — Police and school districts across Los Angeles County and much of Southern California beefed up school security Wednesday in response to social media posts referencing a possible shooting.

It's the second time in a week that a vague social media threat prompted school districts across multiple regions to take extra precautions.

The Los Angeles School Police Department Wednesday issued a statement saying it was aware of a "screen shot of an alleged school threat that was recently shared on social media. The threat is vague and does not specify a school location."

"After a thorough investigation by both LASPD and (Los Angeles Police Department), we have determined there is no known evidence of a credible threat to our school community related to this post," according to the department. "Our students and staff remain safe. The LASPD will continue to support LAUSD schools."

SEE ALSO: The True Cost Of School Shooting Hoaxes In California

Officials in Orange County, said the vague threat targeted the end of the school day.

"The Orange County Sheriff's Department is aware of a trending social media threat involving multiple states," a statement from the OCSD read. "The Sheriff's department will continue to monitor the situation and provide necessary updates."

According to the statement, the threat referenced school violence scheduled for Wednesday, May 10 at 2:30 p.m.

Sheriff's officials in the Santa Clarita Valley said deputies were dispatched to several schools in the area in response to an online post which was described as a video threatening a shooting that would take place Wednesday at a school and an Albertsons grocery store, although no specific location was given.

Anyone with information regarding the threat was asked to call the Santa Clarita Valley sheriff's station at 661-260-4000.

It was unclear if the two threats were related. Anyone with information on the LAUSD posting was asked to call LA School Police at 213-625- 6631.

The threat comes on the heels of another social media threat that was made last week, according to a previous Patch report.

On Friday, May 5, a nonspecific threat to Orange County schools was made on social media and resulted in an increased police presence across Orange County campuses.

An 18-year-old Florida student was arrested as a result of the threats.

Anonymous tips can also be made to Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS (8477).

City News Service and Patch Staffers Miranda Ceja and Paige Austin contributed to this report.