Lincoln Police were called to Northeast High School around 8:20 Wednesday morning after the officer received a call from someone who vaguely stated there was a potential weapon and hostage situation in a classroom and then hung up.
“Once notified, the School Resource Officer immediately began investigating along with several other police officers who arrived to assist with securing the school,” says LPD Public Information Manager Erika Thomas. The school was cleared and no evidence of anyone with a gun or threats were found.
In a letter to parents, Northeast principal Liz Miller said students were notified of the investigation and offered support. “In light of national events, we understand that this information can be upsetting. We are here to support students,” Miller said.
LPD is advising all residents to continue reporting any and all threats of violence to school officials or law enforcement immediately. “Have a conversation with your child about how words matter. We take all conversations about violence towards others seriously and investigate them fully,” Thomas says.
“There is nothing funny about joking about violence against others.” Lincoln Public Schools is taking this opportunity to remind families of the importance of keeping all weapons and ammunition safely away from children and adolescents to prevent intentional and unintentional harm.
The investigation is ongoing and Thomas says anyone who has any information regarding the threat is asked to call Lincoln Police at 402-441-6000 or report anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 402-475-3600. You can also make a report online at lincolncrimestoppers.com or download the free P3 app.