Suspect Framed Student In Threat Toward Leesburg Middle School: Police

LEESBURG, VA — A social media post threatened a shooting at Harper Park Middle School on Friday, the Leesburg Police Department said. Authorities said the threat was not credible, and investigators have identified a suspect.

The police department has not publicly identified the suspect by name, age, or gender. Authorities only described the suspect as "a juvenile." The police department has not publicly announced any criminal charges in connection with the investigation.

Investigators believe the suspect claimed to be another student when threatening the school on social media. Authorities said the second student is a victim who had no idea that someone was using their name to make threats.

In an initial release on Friday, the police department said the victim and their family are fully cooperating with the police department's investigation. Police officials noted that there was an increased police presence at Leesburg schools after the threat out of an abundance of caution.

The police department encouraged students to report similar threats via the Loudoun County Public School system's Safe2Talk app.

The Safe2Talk app is available to anyone. The free service allows users to select a school and report an incident to police. Reports through the app are monitored 24/7 by dispatchers, authorities said.

Incidents that can be reported through the app include threats of violence, drug use, graffiti, abuse, sexual assault, or weapons on school property. More information about the Safe2Talk program is available online.

"We can all play a part in keeping safe," the Leesburg Police Department said in a report. "Report suspicious activity to the Leesburg Police Department 24/7 via our non-emergency dispatch line at 703-771-4500 or at 9-1-1 for emergencies. Remember, if you see something, say something."