SALT LAKE CITY – Two Highland High School students are in custody after allegedly making terroristic threats against the school.
Authorities confirmed there is no credible threat against Highland High School or the students at this time.
Detective Veronica Montoya said the family of a student heard something about a possible violent threat against the school and called police.
Police have not released any details about the nature of the alleged “active shooter plot,” but Highland High School Principal Chris Jenson gave a vague description.
“It was a threat of violence, like a shooter scenario against the school,” Jenson said.
Police say they’re investigation showed the students did not have the capacity to carry out such a plot.
“Still, making that threat, making people feel uncomfortable enough to come and talk to us about it was enough for us to book them,” said Det. Montoya.
Highland High first learned of the possible threats at about 7:30 p.m. Wednesday.
School officials searched the suspected students’ lockers and found nothing threatening.
When the school opened Thursday morning administrators searched the grounds ensuring no one was in danger.
The school said it believes the violent threat was most likely a prank.
The names of the students have not been released.
Authorities said the two students are facing charges for making terroristic threats.
“They’re going to learn a tough lesson. It’s a bit of a misguided choices they made,” said Jenson.
Below is the letter Highland High Principal Chris Jenson sent to parents:
To Our Highland Community,
Last night, SLPD received information about two Highland students who allegedly planned violence against our school. Both students are in police custody and the threats appear to be a hoax. We take these allegations very seriously. Our #1 priority is for the safety of our students and our staff and we are confident that this incident does not pose a danger to our school at this time. We are grateful to the student’s family who brought this to our attention and for the Salt Lake Police Department’s excellent communication and swift response. Our security measures are in place and we continue to be vigilant in the protection of our children.
Thank you,
Chris Jenson
Principal
Highland High
