FBI Investigating Threat of School Shooting at Lincoln-Way East

Additional security is on scene at Lincoln-Way East Wednesday morning, after a school shooting threat was made via an app Tuesday evening.

A 15-year-old male sophomore has been linked to the message. Will County Sheriff’s detectives and FBI personnel searched the student’s home Tuesday, and no firearms or explosives were found, said Sheriff’s Office Spokesperson Kathy Hoffmeyer in a release. Police believe the student may have been set up.

“At this time it appears that this incident may be a hoax, in that it looks as if the possible offender was not the originator, nor the sender, of the threatening message,” according to the release. “Investigators remain diligent in locating the IP address of the sender.”

Police searched the school and “nothing of an evidentiary nature was found.” Authorities determined it would be safe for students to attend classes Wednesday.

“We’re taking some additional measures, certainly,” Superintendent Dr. Scott Tingley told Patch. “Working with law enforcement officials, they said it would be safe to have school.”

Supplementary sheriff’s police and Frankfort police officers are stationed at the school, Tingley said.

“Hopefully they find the perpetrator soon.”

This story is developing. Check back later for more.