Altoona high school opens after brief lockdown during 2-hour delay

UPDATE (10:53 a.m.): A delay in opening the Altoona Area High School happened after an unidentified person was seen in the halls, causing a brief lockdown. Officials told us that it was discovered to be the child of a faculty member.

Opening after the two-hour delay was delayed by about 10 minutes. Altoona police reiterated they found no threat to the schools.

UPDATE (8:48 a.m.): Altoona police also confirmed there was no active threat to the schools, students or staff.

ALTOONA, Pa. (WTAJ) — Altoona schools are running on a two-hour delay Friday after a threat was allegedly posted on social media.

The Altoona Area School District said they were alerted of a post on social media late Thursday night and have been working with Altoona police to investigate. At this time, they report that no credible threat has been found.

In an update, AASD Superintendent Brad Hatch released the following statement:

Dear Families,

In response to last evening’s reports of a social media post circulating among our students, AASD Police and Altoona Police investigated the threat throughout the evening.

The details of the threat were initially vague in nature, but grew in specifics as it spread through social media.

It was confirmed there was no active threat to any school, students or school district personnel. The individuals whose comments spurred this threat have been identified and actions will be taken.

We understand the anxiety these threats cause our students and our families. We experience the same feelings when we are faced with reports of safety concerns. All reports are taken seriously and investigated.

The decision for a 2-hour delay today was made solely for the purpose to provide us an opportunity to debrief with staff prior to the start of the school day so they would be fully informed of the situation in order to be better prepared to support our students who may have questions or concerns at school today.

We can’t express enough the importance of reporting safety concerns and appreciate your vigilance.

Sincerely,

Mr. Brad Hatch
AASD Superintendent

All schools in the Altoona Area will have a two-hour delay on Friday, Sept. 13. However, the Greater Altoona Career and Technology Center will operate as normal.

School officials said that while this may be a hoax, there will be a heightened police presence at Altoona schools.

Earlier Thursday, Ridgway Area Schools announced they would be closed Friday due to an alleged threat.

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