OSHKOSH, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – There will be extra police presence at Oshkosh West High School and Appleton West High School after the schools were among those that received a social media threat.
The threat seen by many on social media, did not directly target Oshkosh or Appleton West high schools. But did tell “West to be ready.”
Bryan Davis, Oshkosh superintendent, says student safety is their number one priority.
“We take all threats very seriously,” said Davis.
“We want to make sure that our kids and staff at the school feel safe,” said Officer Kate Mann with Oshkosh police.
She says around 8:30 p.m. Tuesday, police were made aware of the images on social media indicating a vague threat alleging violence would be carried out Wednesday.
“If people do see a threat on social media, we want them to report it to us immediately, rather than reposting it or sharing it,” said Mann.
Throughout the investigation, it was determined the images did not originate in the area and there was no evidence to suggest it was a credible threat.
“We’re working with the police department to make sure that we get into depth on each threat,” said Davis. “We didn’t think this was a direct threat to Oshkosh West in today’s situation, but every situation is different and we continue to learn as we move forward.”
School staff at Appleton West were unavailable for an interview. But In a statement, Mark McQuade, the principal, thanks the state department of justice’s app.
“Our reporting app, SUSO (Speak up Speak out) worked as designed. We need people to continue to use it,” wrote McQuade.
Oshkosh says their reporting app helped them too.
“We had, I think up to almost 50 tips, that we had with this situation overnight,” said Davis. “It’s a great testament to our students and their diligence to be able to report.”
When it comes to these types of threats, Officer Mann tells FOX 11 it can come with heavy consequences.
“It ranges in severity from misdemeanor to felony depending on what gets posted.”
North Fond du Lac schools also received a similar threat.
Out of an abundance of caution, extra officers will be on hand at the high schools to ensure the safety and security of students, staff and the community.
