Social media threat causes delay at Parish Hill

Traci Hastings, The Chronicle, Willimantic, Conn.
·1 min read

Nov. 11—CHAPLIN — A social media threat that was later determined to have originated in Pennsylvania caused a two- hour delay at Parish Hill Middle/High School.

The Snapchat message, from an unknown source but shared by many via screenshots on Tuesday, read "don't come to phhs tomorrow im shooting it up at 12 be ready."

The post was traced and law enforcement officials determined Wednesday morning that the threat referred to Penn Hills High School in Penn Hills, Pa.

However, Parish Hill Middle/ High School, often referred to as PHHS, announced a two-hour delay Wednesday morning.

School superintendent Kenneth Henrici did not immediately return a request for comment, but school officials posted their own announcement later in the morning.

" It is important to note the SnapChat message referred to PHHS, a term very frequently used to describe Parish Hill," the announcement said. " This snapchat message caused great alarm among our Parish Hill community since it included a threat of violence. Accordingly, out of an abundance of caution, we initiated a two- hour delay of school, allowing time for state troopers and administration to conduct a thorough sweep of our school.

" The state police have determined there is no credible threat to Parish Hill. Although the post does not pose a threat to Parish Hill, the police will continue to be a visible presence throughout the day as a further precautionary measure."

Plainfield High School also was notified about the SnapChat late Tuesday evening and the Plainfield Police Department announced they were working with "multiple" law enforcement agencies to determine the message's origin. Plainfield High School also had an increased police presence.