'I Will Be The Next School Shooter' Student In Custody

HICKORY HILLS, IL -- A student who allegedly threatened to shoot up his junior high school is now in police custody. Officials at Conrady Junior High School in Hickory Hills informed parents on Tuesday that police had arrested a male student the night before. The safety threat is "no longer."

The threat surfaced late Monday on the social media app Snapchat. Police said the boy posted a message stating: “Conrady will die tm, here I come. I will be the next school shooter 1/15/19.” The post also included a picture of handgun.

Another frightened student who shared the post replied “oh hell no. This kid [is] threatening to shoot up Conrady.”

Conrady principal Andy Anderson sent a safety update late Monday evening, reassuring staff, parents and students that the school was aware of the threat and that school and North Palos Dist. 117 officials were cooperating with Hickory Hills police in their investigation.

“School officials have identified the name of the student associated with the threat and are working with Hickory Hills Police to neutralize the threat. Safety is a top priority and everything is being done to ensure a safe, normal school day for Tuesday, Jan. 15. Every effort is being made to ensure our students and staff remain safe.”

In an update Tuesday morning on the school’s website, Anderson further stated that Conrady will resume normal operations “which includes a daily soft lock-down with all exterior and interior doors locked throughout the day as well as maintaining safety protocol of conducting safety drills and discussions about see something, say something.” The principal also thanked the school community for the “numerous tips and reports.”

Since the student is a minor, no additional information regarding name or discipline information will be shared. In addition to any possible criminal charges, Anderson said the school will implement its own disciplinary measures according to the law.