Superintendent Sets Record Straight On Alleged Shooting Threat

SOUTHOLD, NY— Southold School Superintendent David Gamberg spoke out Sunday about an alleged shooting threat that he said never involved students or staff in the district.

On Friday, a post on social media mentioned an alleged threat involving the possible shooting of "Christians and Catholics."

According to Southold Town Police Chief Martin Flatley, the incident, where a post referenced shooting others from Christian or Catholic religious groups, was reported by Southold High School Thursday, fully investigated, "and found to be non-criminal and not a threat," he said.

Gamberg explained the chain of events to Patch: "We became aware of a post and reported it to the police. Nowhere in the post was there any threat to any student or staff member at Southold High School. Yes, it made a reference to the Pope and religion that was concerning, but not a threat to our school," he said. "For the school's part, we reacted immediately, gave the information to the police, and within 90 minutes a determination was made by the police."

Board of Education member Judi Fouchet also said that police determined there was "absolutely no threat made to the school community or anyone else. Just an overabundance of caution on the school's part in reporting something to the police, as they should. But investigation made it really a non reportable issue."

Gamberg sent out an email to parents after the story appeared on Patch: "There was never any threat directed at the Southold learning community. The police investigated the matter and at no time was there any reason to regard the safety of anyone in our school community to be in jeopardy. The safety and well being of all who attend, work, and visit our schools is always our first and most important concern."

Tensions have been high nationwide after the Parkland, FL shooting and a most recent shooting in Texas Friday that left 10 dead.

Patch file photo.