Online School Threats Spreading Across LI; Some LI Schools Named: Supe

LONG ISLAND, NY — A series of online threats have been circulating across Long Island and the nation through social media, particularly Snapchat, Riverhead Schools Interim Superintendent Cheryl Pedisich said in a message to the community Wednesday.

"The district is aware of several online threats that have been circulating across Long Island and the country through social media, particularly Snapchat. The most recent instance has been general in nature, without specifying any specific school or school district," she said.

Pedisich added: "An online threat posted yesterday named several Nassau County schools. We
have been working closely with law enforcement and the Department of Homeland Security to assess the situation. The Department of Homeland Security has determined that these threats are unsubstantiated and that there is no direct or specific threat to our schools or any other schools in our region."

Suffolk County police organized an active shooter drill in Shoreham for Wednesday afternoon after two dozen school threats have been reported just since the first day of classes this year, officials said.

"Safety and security are paramount in our district, and we are continuing to work diligently with law enforcement to ensure our buildings remain safe. Thank you for your cooperation and support," Pedisich said.

A representative for Snapchat did not immediately return a request for comment.