Instagram Photo Of Replica Gun Postpones Romeoville HS Walkout

ROMEOVILLE, IL — A photo of someone holding an airsoft gun posted on social media postponed Romeoville High School's participation in Wednesday national walkout for the month anniversary of the Parkland, Florida, shooting. But an investigation by Romeoville police determined that the Instagram post — which didn't contain a threat targeting the school but was shared among students and teachers — didn't pose a danger to kids or staff, according to authorities.

Police received reports Tuesday about the photo, which depicted a male holding a gun, the department said in a release Wednesday. Although no caption was included in the original posting, the picture began circulating among Romeoville High School students, and statements and other comments were added to it, police said.

Eventually, investigators discovered the weapon in the photo was a replica airsoft gun and "confirmed at no time was there a threat to student safety or a threat made to cause harm at the High School," police said. Students sharing the picture with teachers also is credited by police with enabling "a quick and thorough investigation" of the situation, according to authorities.

RELATED: Pro-Gun Rally In Illinois To Counter School Walkout

Although Wednesday's walkout at the high school was postponed, students will be allowed to assemble at a later date, according to WGN-TV News. Police presence at the school had been high as part of the initial plan to ensure school safety during the walkout, the report added.

While students weren't able to leave the school building for their planned event, in which they were going to spell out "RHS United" in a massive formation, a pro-gun group rallied by the school.

More via WGN-TV News

Patch editor Joe Vince contributed to this story.

Image via Shutterstock