Possible Threat Made on Social Media Involving EHS

(EFFINGHAM HIGH SCHOOL FRIDAY AFTERNOON)

A random Facebook post led many parents to pick up their children early Friday afternoon from Effingham High School.

The post indicates that someone's son said there was a rumor that there was to be a shooting incident during the pep rally that had been scheduled for the Hearts football team. The pep rally was not held.

Effingham Police Chief Jeff Fuesting and Unit 40 Superintendent Mark Doan said there is no credible evidence that the rumor had any basis in fact. Doan said authorities wanted to make sure they had solid information on the situation before issuing any statement as to the matter.

Here's the official statement released by Superintendent Doan: "Effingham Unit 40 was made aware early this afternoon of a social media post of a possible threat at Effingham High School. At that time a joint investigation with Effingham City Police was started. At this time, it has been determined that there is no credible threat to students, staff or the building. Effingham City Police are continuing to follow up on this incident."

Chief Fuesting said, "Had this been an active shooting situation, we have plans that would have been implemented. We checked numerous avenues of social media and have found nothing to support the post." 

Fuesting said there are other threats across the country today, and said city police have a network to monitor such information.

Fuesting and Doan said they can't stress enough "how seriously we take this." Fuesting also shared they have no one in custody regarding the post. He asked anyone with credible information to contact city police.

By the end of the school day, most students were gone from EHS. Buses ran normal routes to accommodate remaining students and also to insure students at other buildings would get picked up and delivered home.

Meet the Lady Hearts will be held as scheduled, starting at 6pm at EHS.