Manassas City Park police say they know who made a threat to shoot up Manassas Park High School, prompting an asynchronous learning day Friday for the Virginia school system.
Capt. Frank Winston said the boy, who attends the high school, originally sent a message to another student warning that student not to go to school because he was planning a school shooting. That message was then shared across social media.
Winston said police identified the boy just after midnight and are discussing charges with the Office of the Commonwealth’s Attorney in Prince William County.
Police now say there is no active threat to any school or the public, but they will keep additional officers at the school Friday.
School officials elected to close all school buildings to staff and students and move classes online Friday after being alerted to the threat. Teachers will reach out to families to explain how to access school work online.
Manassas Park City Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Melissa Saunders said all school activities for Friday would be rescheduled, and that normal school operations would resume Saturday. Students will return to in-person learning on Monday, though there will be a greater police presence when classes resume, Saunders said.
School counseling teams will be available for students and families on Monday, according to Saunders.
“Threats have no place in our school community, and we will take swift action in this matter per our student code of conduct,” Saunders said in a statement. “I want to reiterate how much we appreciate the collaboration and diligence of our police department and the commitment our students and community showed to ensuring a safe school environment.”
WTOP’s Colleen Kelleher and Zeke Hartner contributed to this story.
