Schools

Internet Search For Guns Causes Scare At LI High School

Officials say a student was searching for guns and made a disturbing social media post, but that they are not a threat to the school.

A student searching online for guns prompted a scare at John F. Kennedy High School in Plainview-Old Bethpage. But police and the district acted quickly and say the student is not a threat.
A student searching online for guns prompted a scare at John F. Kennedy High School in Plainview-Old Bethpage. But police and the district acted quickly and say the student is not a threat. (Google Maps)

PLAINVIEW, NY — A student's internet search created a scare about possible violence at John F. Kennedy High School, but officials say the student is not a threat.

The incident was made public in a letter sent to families by Plainview-Old Bethpage School District Superintendent Dr. Mary O'Meara. She said that the district learned on Dec. 10 that a student at JFK high school was found to be searching for guns online.

The district immediately notified the Nassau County Police Department and started investigating the incident, O'Meara said. Over the weekend, O'Meara said that other students also reported a concerning post the student made to SnapChat.

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O'Meara said that she could not divulge information about the student, but that the district and police are continuing to investigate.

"We are cooperating fully with the NCPD who report the student is not a threat to the school," O'Meara wrote. The school was open on Monday and classes continued without interruption.

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O'Meara said that the district would continue to work with the police and the student's family.

"We ask you to please respect the privacy of the family," she wrote. "Please know our commitment to the safety and well-being of our staff and students is our top priority."

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