More Police at Eden Prairie High School Thursday After Gun Rumors

Additional police were on patrol through the school day Thursday at Eden Prairie High School.

Two extra police officers were dispatched to the school in addition to the two regular resource officers, as a result of rumors on Twitter that a student was bringing a gun to school.

A letter was sent out to parents Thursday letting them know that the threats are unsubstantiated.

"While we need to hear from students about what is happening at the high school, it is challenging when the situation gets inflamed when rumors are shared through social media among students and parents.” Principal Conn McCartan wrote to parents. "At this point, nothing of a threatening nature has been substantiated."

Statement from Eden Prairie Police

On Wednesday, March 6, 2013, Eden Prairie Police were notified by the Eden Prairie School District, of an incident involving tensions between students at Eden Prairie High School and subsequent threats posted on social media platforms. 

Police are working closely with District officials to investigate the incident. At this time there is no apparent danger to students and faculty. As a precautionary measure, Eden Prairie Police will have an increased presence at Eden Prairie High School today. 

No further details about this incident are available at this time.

Letter from Principal McCartan

Dear EPHS parents:

I want to let you know about an issue we dealt with at the high school on Wednesday, March 6, and the rumors that grew out of the situation last night and were subsequently shared through social media among students and parents. I want you to have the facts of the situation.

On Wednesday, we became aware of some tensions between some high school students about messages that were posted on Twitter. We investigated the situation during the day. There were no major incidents on Wednesday related to this issue. As part of the investigation we also heard a rumor from a student about a threat of a gun being brought to school. We then involved our police liaison officers to investigate and discovered that what a student overheard was not related to the situation or to a gun being brought to school. By the end of the day on Wednesday, we believe that we satisfactorily dealt with the situation.

The problem we are now facing is that this story is being passed around the same social media that created the issue. While we need to hear from students about what is happening at the high school, it is challenging when the situation gets inflamed when rumors are shared through social media among students and parents.

We are aware of the high volume of social media statements that have raised concerns. We are pursuing all of them and will continue to do so as we are able. At this point, nothing of a threatening nature has been substantiated.

As always, the administration at the high school will be extremely vigilant today and will work with our staff and police liaison officers to help our students handle the situation productively. In addition, there will be an increased police presence at the high school to help everyone feel safe. I would encourage you to contact me with any questions or concerns. We appreciate your continued support.

Conn McCartan 
EPHS Principal