Threatening Social Media Posts Trigger School Lockouts In Peekskill

PEEKSKILL, NY — Administrators at a Westchester County school district are implementing unusual security measures in response to concerning behavior on social media.

"This morning, our district received notification regarding two social media posts," Peekskill School District Superintendent David Mauricio said in a message to families. "While no specific threat was made to a school, we will operate under increased alert today. Each school will be placed in a LOCKOUT, which means individuals will not be allowed to enter or exit a building without prior approval. There will be no outside activity during the school day."

Mauricio said the district has been in communication with the Peekskill Police Department, who are providing an increased presence at the schools.

"As the day proceeds, we will determine if afterschool activities will continue," Mauricio said in the statement. "The Healthy Kids program will continue as regularly scheduled. Thank you for your cooperation and understanding as we work together to ensure the safety and security of our students, staff and schools."