'Possible Threat' Prompts Lockdown At Parkland School A Day After Shooting Anniversary

PARKLAND, FL — Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, where 17 people were killed when a gunman opened fire in 2018, was briefly locked down Wednesday due to a "possible threat," according to a spokesperson for the Broward County Sheriff's Office.

The lockdown comes just one day after the school marked the 5th anniversary of the Valentine's Day massacre that left 14 students and three staff members dead.

According to spokesperson Gerdy St. Louis, authorities received a report shortly before 2 p.m. about a possible threat at the high school located at 5901 Pines Island Rd. The school was placed on lockdown as authorities investigated.

An email sent to parents and guardians said police responded after the school received a suspicious phone call, WESH reported.

No threat was found, according to authorities. Police are investigating the incident.

Hundreds gathered near the school on Valentine's Day in two ceremonies centered on spiritual healing following the attack that also left 17 people wounded.

The families who were present in the afternoon took turns lighting candles encased in glass engraved with their loved ones' names. Candles also represented three students who were present during the shooting and have since died by suicide. The families then released 17 doves, which flew as a group in circles overhead. Neighbors hugged the families and asked how they were doing.

"It meant so much to us to come together as a community," said Mitch Dworet, who lost his 17-year-old son Nick in the shooting. "The love, support and kindness — it's beautiful."

In November, gunman Nikolas Cruz was sentenced to life in prison without parole. Cruz, who pleaded guilty in 2021 to the Feb. 14, 2018, shooting rampage, will serve life sentences on all 34 counts.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.