Social Media Threat Prompts OC High School Closure

LA HABRA, CA — Whittier Christian High School was closed Monday after numerous reports of a social media threat. Police later deemed the threat was not credible, though the school remained shuttered for the day.

La Habra police "received numerous calls about a threat made on social media" around 10:30 p.m. Sunday. The threat "indicated a possible shooting at Whittier Christian High School," according to a statement the department posted on Facebook.

Officers, working in conjunction with the school administrators, made contact with the individual, a teenage boy, and his parents at their Whittier home, to discuss the nature of the social media posts.

"After a lengthy interview with the boy, officers do not believe there is a credible threat to the school," La Habra police said.

Administrators decided to cancel classes about 1 a.m. Monday, purely as a precaution while police conducted their investigation.

Administrators were told by police about 2:30 a.m. that the threat was not deemed credible, but determined that it was best to leave the closure in place, Martinez said.

Classes will resume on Tuesday, according to Carl Martinez, head of school at Whittier Christian High, according to Martinez. Though the campus will remain closed for the day, extra-curricular activities such as sports will take place as usual on Monday afternoon.

After the shooting at Saugus High School Thursday in Santa Clarita, all remain on high alert and tensions remain high at campuses across the Southland.

Just as people are told not to joke or comment about weapons or explosives while standing in security lines at theme parks or airports, the same goes for social media comments and threats, officials say.

"Parents are reminded to discuss potential consequences for their children’s actions (including social media usage) whether intentional or not," police said. "The incident prompted an extra police presence at the school campus and messages from school officials assuring parents that students are safe."