MANHATTAN, KAN. – Manhattan High School West Campus was cleared around 4:40 p.m. this afternoon after a graffiti message that was found in a school bathroom circulated over Snapchat causing the school to go on lockdown. The message was perceived as a threat to a planned pep rally.
Shortly before 2:00 p.m. this afternoon, our School Resource Officer at the school and the principal were made aware of the message being amplified over the social media platform. School officials quickly put the school on lockdown and multiple officers responded to investigate the situation.
The officers quickly determined the message was not credible and the students were not in any danger. It was decided that the building would be evacuated room by room by officers to ensure the safety of all students and staff.
The building was cleared and officers began leaving the area around 4:40 p.m.
We are still investigating the origins of the message, but don’t believe there is any threat to the school.
This incident was not connected to yesterday’s events or the arrest of Samuel Osenga in any way.
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By BECKY GOFF
Little Apple Post
UPDATE: From RCPD: Multiple officers are on-scene investigating a message found in one of the school bathrooms.
The message was then spread through social media, RCPD says they do not believe there is a credible threat.
The school was placed on lockdown by school administrators while RCPD officers continue to investigate the situation.
This incident is NOT connected to Thursday's events at elementary schools.
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MANHATTAN - USD 383 posted to social media that Manhattan High School is currently on a lockdown following a threat made on social media.
Riley County Police Department officers are on scene.
District officials are asking families and public to stay away from the school at this time.
USD 383 will release more information as it becomes available.