Maine Schools on Lockdown After Snapchat Rumor: No Threat Found

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Early Morning Scare in Strong, Maine

STRONG, Maine — A reported threat against Mount Abram Regional High School led to a swift lockdown of all schools in the Maine School Administrative District 58 (MSAD 58) early Tuesday morning. Franklin County Sheriff Scott Nichols said deputies responded to the district's schools shortly after 7:40 a.m. after receiving a report about an alleged threat involving a juvenile.

As a precaution, all students already on campus were placed into lockdown, while those arriving at school were sent home. This quick response was part of the district’s safety protocols to ensure student safety during the initial investigation.

The Threat Proved Unfounded

According to Sheriff Nichols, the alleged juvenile suspect was quickly located and questioned by law enforcement. It was soon determined that there was no credible threat. The sheriff explained that unsubstantiated information about the juvenile was circulating through Snapchat and other social media platforms, fueling concerns.

“School staff took immediate, appropriate action and lockdown procedures were enacted. Deputies responded quickly, taking control of the situation until it was determined no threat existed,” Sheriff Nichols wrote in a statement.

Social Media and the Spread of Rumors

This incident highlights the role social media can play in spreading misinformation. What began as a series of Snapchat posts quickly escalated into a full-scale response by the school district and law enforcement. A parent, after becoming aware of the rumors, alerted school staff, leading to the lockdown.

MSAD 58 Superintendent Laura Columbia assured the community that the lockdown was a precautionary measure. "After a thorough investigation, the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office has determined that the threat was not substantiated and was the result of a misunderstanding," Columbia wrote in a post on the district’s Facebook page.

Increased Vigilance Amid Recent Threats

This incident comes just a day after MSAD 44, a neighboring school district in Oxford County, canceled classes following another threat shared on Snapchat. That threat, like this one, was ultimately deemed not credible.

While no harm was posed to students, the response underscores how seriously schools and law enforcement are treating any potential threats, especially in light of the broader national concern over school safety.

A Community on High Alert

MSAD 58 serves several rural communities, including Phillips, Avon, Kingfield, and Strong, as well as students from nearby townships. The district’s swift response reassured parents that safety is a top priority, even when rumors take on a life of their own.

As students and parents reflect on the day's events, the district’s response to the false alarm demonstrates the importance of both vigilance and responsible social media use.

Attribution source: Wabi.tv