Police say school shooting threats bunk. Here's what we know

LAS CRUCES – A threat calling for a mass shooting is unfounded, according to a news release from the City of Las Cruces.

"Law enforcement agencies in New Mexico, along with the New Mexico Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management, have so far found no validity to the claims," the news release said.

Screen grabs of shared SnapChat messages state that 17 people would engage in a mass shooting at a school and an Albertson's grocery store. The messages said the shooting would occur on May 10 at 2:30 p.m. and featured a grainy picture of a gun.

Kelly Jameson, a Las Cruces Public Schools spokesperson, said the threats led to reduced attendance on Wednesday, although the exact number was unknown as of this article's publication.

In its news release, LCPD said the threats did not appear to be directed at any school in particular or even any school in Las Cruces. They noted that other communities across the state also reported the same false threats.

"The Las Cruces Police Department reminds users of social media to refrain from re-posting or sharing unverified information. Sharing information from an untrusted source can create the rapid spread of misinformation and an unnecessary fear within our community. Sharing and re-posting such information to social media also makes it more difficult for law enforcement to track the creator of the original content. Anyone who learns of a threat to a school, or any threat to life or public safety, is encouraged to call police at (575) 526-0795 or immediately call 911 if the nature of the information is believed to be an emergency."

Justin Garcia covers public safety and local government in Las Cruces. He can be reached via email at JEGarcia@lcsun-news.com, via phone or text at 575-541-5449, or on Twitter @Just516Garc.

This article originally appeared on Las Cruces Sun-News: Police say school shooting threats bunk. Here's what we know