Reese Bentzinger
Abby Cambiano
Northeast News

The Kansas City Police Department was informed of a threat to “shoot up” Northeast High School. The district is investigating the threat that was posted to Facebook October 11 and intended for Thursday, October 12, and have identified two students who were involved.

Neither of the students were at school on Thursday, and KCPD visited their homes to identify their whereabouts.
“The school went into no entry status,” Ray Weikal, Public Information Officer for the Kansas City Public Schools, said.
The difference between no entry status and a lockdown is that classes can continue as usual, but no visitors are allowed to enter.

KCPS and  KCPD sent extra security to the school on Thursday as a precaution and to make sure students and faculty were safe.

“Social media can be productive or destructive,” Weikal said. “We use it to communicate, share information and dialogue about important issues.”

He said it can be destructive when used without thought, and it can be challenging for schools when the platform is used in a negative way. Weikal said he believes it is “part of our job to teach young people how to use it responsibly.”
School remained in session for students on Thursday and Friday, October 11 and 12. KCPD could not be reached for comment at the time of publication.