Social Media Threat Causes Panic at Taft High School in Woodland Hills
ICARO Media Group
In a distressing turn of events, a social media threat towards Taft High School in Woodland Hills sent shockwaves through the student body, prompting an immediate response from law enforcement authorities and leading to a rush of concerned parents to the school premises.
According to a spokesperson from the Los Angeles Unified School District, the school became aware of a social media post early Tuesday morning that raised concerns about the safety of the campus. However, the spokesperson emphasized that there is currently no evidence of a credible threat. The safety and security of students and staff are of utmost importance, and all such statements are promptly and thoroughly investigated to ensure the well-being of everyone on campus.
Captured on video by Sky5, the front of Taft High was swarmed with anxious parents as they awaited updates on the situation. Despite the absence of a lockdown or early dismissal request, students were seen scaling fences in an abundance of caution to leave the campus and seek safety. Numerous students interviewed by KTLA 5 admitted to seeing an alarming Instagram post that depicted a person with a gun and issued a chilling warning to fellow students.
One freshman, Evan Olivares, expressed his initial fear upon encountering the post, noting that it quickly spread like wildfire among the student body. The Instagram account responsible for the threat, named '@taftcaughtslippin', allegedly stated that a school shooting would occur during fourth period. Another student, Dhyanesh Dhileepkumar, further corroborated the details, adding that the same account showcased an image of a gun on someone's lap. The students found themselves in a state of panic, underscoring the seriousness of the situation.
To ensure the safety of everyone on campus, both the Los Angeles School Police Department and the LAPD have increased patrols in and around Taft High School. The school district urges parents and students to report any concerning behavior or statements to school staff or local authorities using the Los Angeles School Police Department's communication center at 213-625-6631.
As the investigation unfolds, it is crucial for the community to remain vigilant and cooperate with authorities. Incidents like these serve as a reminder of the importance of addressing any potential threats promptly and taking all necessary precautions to protect the well-being of students and staff in educational institutions.