Police: Hastings Middle School student is behind social media threat, investigation ongoing

HASTINGS, Nebraska (KSNB) – Hastings Police are investigating a school shooting threat posted on social media by a Hastings Middle School student that caused widespread concern among students and parents.

The Hastings Police Department (HPD) was alerted to a TikTok post early Friday that read, “SHOOTINGS AT HMS SCHOOL. YOU ARE IN TERRIBLE DANGER. 9/13/24.” The post also included a picture of the Hastings Middle School building.

According to police, the post spread quickly through social media and text messages among students, parents and community members, sparking fear and concern within the school system.

An immediate investigation revealed that the post was created by a student at Hastings Middle School. Although TikTok removed the post due to its content, it had already spread throughout the public school system, raising heightened concerns.

Jeff Schneider, superintendent of Hastings Public Schools, issued a statement to families thanking police for their quick response.

“We are grateful for the partnership with HPD, they are a great partner,” said Schneider. “At no point were students or staff in danger, this was a social media post with the intent to cause extreme disruption.”

Hastings Public Schools will handle disciplinary action against the student, while the criminal investigation has been referred to the Adams County District Attorney's Office.

CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL STATEMENT

The incident occurred a day after Hastings police became aware of a nationwide panic spreading on Nebraska's social media about a possible school shooting.

On Thursday, the panic escalated even further when students at Hastings Public Schools began creating and sharing their own social media posts.

“Our agency has narrowed down the number of student account holders at various agencies and has thoroughly investigated these threats,” Hastings police said in a statement.

Police said the students involved and their parents had been contacted and that Hastings Public Schools had played a key role in the investigation.

The social media posts from Sept. 12 were thoroughly investigated and no credible threats against Hastings Public Schools were found, police said.

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