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SPD Investigating Social Media Threats at Schools (Updated)

Update 12/17 — SPD detectives have arrested a 17-year-old girl for threats made against Franklin High School, who admitted to police the incident was a hoax. Police released the teen to her parents and are forwarding the case to the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office for review.

SPD is not aware of any credible threats to Seattle Public Schools (SPS) at this time, but we continue to work closely with SPS to ensure campus safety.

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Originally posted 12/15

Police have opened investigations into threats at two South Seattle schools this morning, which led to the closure of one high school campus.

This morning, police received calls from Seattle Public Schools staff, reporting a social media threat involving students at Franklin High School and a potential threat at Rainier Beach High School.

The nature of the specific threat at Franklin led school officials to close the campus for the day.

Rainier Beach did not receive any specific threats and continued the school day sheltered in place. 

The Seattle Police Department is working closely with Seattle Public Schools to address campus safety and will provide additional patrols as needed.

SPD has recently investigated several other threats at local schools, arresting students in connection with unrelated online threat cases at Ingraham High School and Whitman Middle School. SPD is also investigating a recent shooting after school hours outside Garfield High School.

Police are asking anyone with information about the Franklin and Rainier Beach to call 206-233-5000.