LYNN — Middle school students were asked not to bring backpacks to school on Monday after the school district became aware of shooter threats on Sunday, which were deemed non-credible, being circulated on social media throughout the last few days, according to Superintendent of Schools Dr. Evonne Alvarez.
Alvarez said students were directed to do so out of an abundance of caution, after the administration had contacted the police department and they had deemed the threat not credible.
She said the police department had enhanced visibility at the schools on Monday and they operated “without incident.”
“Lynn Public Schools remains committed to providing the safest environment possible for our students and staff,” Alvarez added.
Lt. Richard Connick, a spokesperson for the police department, said the threats appeared to be non-specific social media posts warning of potential school shootings nationwide which were “amplified on social media locally.”
Connick said there are numerous factors that go into determining whether a threat is deemed credible.
“In this case, non-specific threats nationwide were amplified on social media locally over the last several days. Several other communities locally, regionally and nationally are having the same experience,” he said.
Connick said although the police department has deemed the threats not to be credible and not specific to Lynn, there is still an open investigation into them.
“We remain committed to working with the Lynn Public School Administration to ensure a safe learning environment,” Connick said.
