Columbus Public Schools: Student cited after making threat on social media

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – A student at Columbus Public Schools was cited after posting a threat on social media, police said Thursday.

Just after 7:30 a.m. on Wednesday, officers were sent to Columbus Middle School on reports of a “verbal threat of violence.”

Investigators with the Columbus Police Department later said the comments made on social media were “non-credible.”

“Overnight we identified one subject who had made a threat on social media directed at the Columbus Public Schools,” Capt. Doug Molczyk said in a press release. “Officers from the Columbus Police Department interviewed the subject who stated that it was just a joke and this subject was subsequently cited for terroristic threats.”

Columbus Public Schools said the student was cited by law enforcement and suspended.  Three other students were also suspended.

The district released a statement alerting students that their backpacks may be searched at random throughout the school day.

“We want to thank the community for reaching out to us concerning social media posts and working with us to find the sources of these social media posts,” Molczyk said. “The Columbus Police Department also thanks Columbus Public Schools for being a valuable partner in protecting our children.”

Columbus Public Schools said “any association with this type of activity” will result in a suspension or possible expulsion.