Lockdown At Herricks Schools Lifted After Firearm Threat [UPDATE]

UPDATED at 3:13 p.m.: Herricks Middle School and Herricks High School were on lockdown Tuesday afternoon while authorities investigated a firearm threat made by a student, Nassau Police say.

According to authorities, police began an investigation into a student verbally threatening to harm students in the Herricks School District with a firearm at 1 p.m. The middle and high schools were placed on lockdown during the investigation.

Authorities searched both schools and deemed them safe. No injuries were reported, and no arrest has been made. It appears there was no firearm, police say.

The lockdown at the high school was lifted at 2:45 p.m., and the middle school was lifted at 2:30 p.m., police say.

As of 2:20 p.m., cops were entering classrooms and telling the students everything is OK.

The school said everyone is safe and an update would be provided when more information is available.

Dr. Fino Celano, Superintendent of Herrick Public Schools, said the investigation was prompted by a threat that was discovered by an individual on-line.

Celano said in a statement on the district's website: "It is important to know that at no time was there a threat made directly to our schools, and our students remained safe during lock-down. Out of an abundance of caution, the police conducted a thorough investigation and found no evidence that the threat was credible. As a result, the lock-down was lifted, and after school activities took place as usual. I want to reassure you that the police have determined that the threat was unfounded."

Patch photo