‘This is a trend that needs to stop’: QPS, QPD officials address recent social media threats

QUINCY — After three days of random posts on social media threatening students, officials with Quincy Public Schools and Quincy Police Department say the investigation has concluded them to believe the threats do not post a security risk.

“These threats have been investigated and don’t pose a security risk to our schools,” Todd Pettit, superintendent of Quincy Public Schools, said. “But we need your help to end the hold these threats have on our students, staff and family.”

This first threat on Tuesday said, “Y’all I’m finna shoot up quincy senior high t.”

QPD determined the profile of the threat’s author came from someone from Quincy, but an interview with the person determined they had no knowledge of the threat and had not recently used Snapchat. The investigation also concluded the threatening post originated outside of Quincy.

Quincy Police Chief Adam Yates said subsequent threats on Wednesday and Thursday were of a similar nature.

Mike Tyler, deputy chief of operations for the Quincy Police Department, said evidence suggests the Snapchat message was a hoax or an attempt at swatting — which entails generating an emergency law enforcement response against someone under false pretenses. Tyler also said it has not yet been determined if the threats over the last three days are related.

If people hear of such threats, Pettit asked that they take them to a school or law enforcement official. Reporting unsubstantiated rumors only fuels panic and anxiety,” he said.

“Our staff and students are very stressed right now,” Pettit said.

Pettit said all QHS Homecoming activities are still on, but there will be bag checks at the pep rally and football game.

Hannibal Public Schools, and school districts in Mendon and Camp Point in northern Adams County, also received threats this week.

“Since Aug. 1, 106 schools (in Illinois) have received threats,” Tyler said. “This is a trend that needs to stop.”

Yates discussed his department’s manpower allotment to the public schools. He said many of the administrators within the QPS Security Department are former officers with the Quincy Police Department.

“Our officers have been trained to respond to these threats,” Yates said. “We understand how important safety is to our students.”

Watch Thursday’s news conference here.

(EDITOR’S NOTE: You will need to turn up the audio to hear Deputy Chief Mike Tyler.)