Las Cruces Public Schools comments on threats deemed not credible
LAS CRUCES – In a news release Tuesday, Las Cruces Public Schools said a series of online threats toward schools in the district are not credible.
The school district said Superintendent Ralph Ramos alerted the Las Cruces Police Department and New Mexico State Police about the "threats," which began to circulate on social media platforms this week.
A law enforcement investigation determined the "threats" were not local and not credible, the school district stated in the news release.
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At least four LCPS schools were affected: Las Cruces High, Sierra Middle, Camino Real Middle and, most recently, Organ Mountain High.
A screenshot of the "threat" toward Organ Mountain shared with the Sun-News — comes from the social media site TikTok. It includes a paragraph of text alleging shootings and bombings at an undefined school location and is titled "Confession."
Law enforcement said reposts on social media give the appearance that old threats are new threats, the district stated in its news release.
“Any threat to our students — whether credible or not — has our attention and we will immediately work with law enforcement to protect our campuses,” Ramos said in the news release. “When there is an incident attracting national attention, such as the recent tragedy in Michigan, similar threats surface elsewhere. Our schools are not immune, and we will avail every resource to ensure our students are safe.”
Ramos added that parents understandably want to protect their children by keeping them home, which is an interruption in the educational process.
“We urge families to trust our law enforcement partners to determine when a credible threat is made. In that event, we will do whatever it takes to secure our campuses. We remain vigilant and will communicate any changes with our students, staff and families.”
The news release did not state how many students stayed home due to the "threats."
School officials encourage students to follow the Department of Homeland Security’s “If you see something, say something” motto and immediately report suspected acts of violence to school resource officers, parents, teachers or law enforcement.
In its news release, the district also reminds students that making threats of violence is illegal and punishable by law. Additional sanctions can be taken by LCPS in addition to law enforcement.
This article originally appeared on Las Cruces Sun-News: Las Cruces Public Schools comments on threats deemed not credible
