Threatening Graffiti Note Warning Of School Shooting Was Not Originated At Hatboro-Horsham

HATBORO-HORSHAM, PA — A graffiti message purporting to reference a school shooting at "HHS" was not originated at the Hatboro-Horsham School District, administrators said Thursday, but was apparently referencing an out-of-state school.

District Superintendent Scott Eveslage, in an emailed message to the school community, said that district officials had received Safe2Say tips on Thursday concerning a picture of graffiti on a bathroom wall indicating a potential threat at the high school.

In the message, which was also posted to social media, Eveslage said district staffers coordinated with local police in investigating the matter, and ultimately determined that the picture was actually from a high school in New Jersey called Highstown High School, which explains the "HHS."

"The tipsters shared a disturbing picture of threatening words written on a bathroom wall, 'HHS shooting 12/10/21,'" Eveslage wrote in his correspondence. "Several high schools in the area that could be referenced as 'HHS' received similar tips of concern along with the identical image sent to us."

Eveslage said high school personnel conducted an "extensive search" of the high school building, including all bathroom walls, and found no evidence of the threatening graffiti.

He said there would be additional presence by the Horsham Police Department at the high school on Friday.

"We appreciate the support of the Horsham Police with their swift investigation into the matter," Eveslage wrote in his message. "We are also thankful for the many tips of concerns that were submitted. Our students and community being vigilant, attentive, and willing to share concerns is instrumental in maintaining a safe environment in our schools."

The Hatboro-Horsham incident added to the number of alarming incidents that occurred at Montgomery County schools on Thursday.

In a separate incident, a Springfield Township High School student was arrested for making terroristic threats against his school, while another threat situation was reportedly being investigated by both Upper Dublin and Springfield police at a private school for special needs.

There was also news of what later turned out to be an unfounded threat at Souderton Area High School.

In his message, Eveslage noted that the Hatboro-Horsham situation occurred during a time of a "increasing number of threats made against schools in our area," something he called an "unsettling trend and can put a school community on edge."