Peabody Police Search High School After Snapchat Threat

PEABODY, MA — Police found no evidence to substantiate a threat at Peabody Veterans Memorial High School that was posted online. Police used dogs to search the building around 5:15 a.m. Friday morning after a students saw a message on Snapchat and reported it to their parents. The threat was described as "vague" and may have been written by a student at another school.

"Late Thursday evening an online communication of concern circulated among some students through Snapchat on social media. Local authorities were notified and are investigating at this time," Superintendent Cara Murtagh and Principal Chris Lord said in a message to parents. "Safety is a top priority for our students and staff."

School officials were notified of the threat late Thursday night, just hours after a shooting at a high school in Santa Clarita left two students dead and five others with injuries. The shooter in that incident was "gravely injured" after shooting himself in the head.

While school opened normally Friday morning, several students stayed home for the day, according to parents discussing the incident on social media. Other parents raised concerns that students were not searched upon entering the building.

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