Police are continuing their investigation at Amherst Regional High School following a possible threat posted on social media about a student carrying a weapon on school grounds.
UPDATE, 3:55 p.m.: Police have identified the student involved in the Facebook posting.
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Updates a story posted Monday at 9:18 a.m.
AMHERST — Police are continuing their investigation at Amherst Regional High School following a possible threat posted on social media about a student carrying a weapon on school grounds.
The school was closed Monday to staff, students and families, said Kimberly Stender of the Community, Partnerships & Volunteers Office of the Superintendent, who cited safety concerns.
She said that South East campus, a smaller special education public day school, on South East Street also is closed.
“We take any threats of this nature seriously, so yes, an investigation was initiated immediately, and is currently still on going,” Police Chief Scott P. Livingstone wrote in an email. "I had several conversations with the school administration over the course of last night, this morning. (It was) mutually agreed upon that the school be closed to assist us in our investigation."
The school's website carries this message:
"Over the weekend, we received information from a social media post that referenced the possibility of an ARHS student carrying a weapon on school grounds. The Amherst Police Department is currently conducting an investigation. As a precaution and to facilitate the investigation, we decided to close the building. During this time, the building is off limits to all staff, students, and the public. Over the course of the day, we will send out more information as it becomes available.In addition, (Principal Mark) Jackson and Superintendent (Maria) Geryk will hold a session for those parents and guardians who would like to meet to discuss this situation in the ARMS Auditorium tonight January 27th at 7 PM."
The message that Stender believes initiated the investigation was posted on the Amherst Regional High School Confessions Facebook page that and read “tbh im packin modtly everyday at school. but since im calm and am able to keep my composure noone dies. i have it for protection yet ppl still think they can bully me."⨠TBH means "to be honest."
The page states: “A page for ARHS students to post anything they want 100% anonymously. Hate will be ignored.” The posting, however, has been taken down.
Stender said parents have been understanding. "They’re very thankful (for the school’s concerns),” she said.
She said officials are hoping to reopen the school tomorrow, but that will be depend on the investigation.