Omaha Police investigate multiple school threats in wake of Tuesday shooting

OMAHA, Neb. (WOWT) - In the wake of Tuesday’s shooting of a student in Northwest High School, Omaha Police say that have been investigating “several social media threats to local schools” — none of them credible.

Still, OPD dispatched additional officers to area schools Wednesday as a precaution, according to a news release.

Meanwhile, investigations into the threats have resulted in the arrest of an 11-year-old. A 13-year-old was also cited, and a 14-year-old was placed on “long-term suspension,” according to an OPD news release on Wednesday.

“Investigators believe there will be additional arrests coming soon,” the release states.

OPD said they would release more details about the threats once they had been cleared.

Bennington Public School District posted a statement saying that a list of schools circulating on social media had been confirmed to be “connected solely to Georgia”; one of the schools there has the same name as a local elementary.

“There are no ties to the Omaha area,” the BPSD post states.

The school district said OPD and Bennington Police have been working with the FBI to investigate the threats, and encouraged families to talk with students about using social media responsibly.

From: Bennington Public School District. Bennington Public Schools Families, We wanted to take a moment to address...
Posted by Bennington Police Department on Wednesday, September 11, 2024

All Wednesday classes and activities at Omaha Northwest High School were canceled. Administrators will instead focus on the staff during that time, with counselors being made available. Students, returning on Thursday, will be next.

Security has also became a renewed focal point for Omaha Public Schools. All the schools already have new cameras and locks, and every OPS high school and middle school has a police officer stationed in the building.

SUPPORT AVAILABLE

Students and families in need of immediate support were urged to call Safe2Help Nebraska at 1-833-980-7233 anytime day or night to get help. Staff in need of support were urged to utilize Employee Assistance Program or state Safe2Help resources as needed.