Threat Against School Worsened By Snapchat Fake News

WALLKILL, NY — A online threat against a middle school in the Hudson Valley Monday was exacerbated when an unknown user posted a grossly inaccurate story on Snapchat about the incident, with a fictional headline and student name. It was only one of many inaccurate social media posts, according to Middletown schools Superintendent Richard Del Moro.

The threat itself caused a lockdown at Monhagen Middle School and a lockout at nearby Maple Hill Elementary. Every student backpack at the middle school was checked and the school was checked by security. There was an increased police presence at both schools during the incident and at dismissal.

Police are investigating both the threat and the social media response.

"Snapchat has become popular because messages and photos sent via the app can be shared from user to user with ease and stories disappear after a short period of time," Del Moro said in a letter to parents. "Upon learning of this Snapchat story, we brought together special investigators from both the City of Middletown and Town of Wallkill Police Departments to begin an investigation."

He asked parents to consider having a conversation with their children about the potential dangers of social media as well as their responsibility as a user on social media with regard to their posts, comments, and shares.

Del Moro emphasized that no member of the school community was in danger at any time.