Burnet school officials issue alert to quell rumors of Snapchat threat
FROM STAFF REPORTS
BURNET — Burnet school officials sent out letters Feb. 23 to warn parents and students about “unsubstantiated rumors” regarding a Snapchat post connected to a threat in another state.
The Burnet Consolidated Independent School District and the Burnet Police Department began receiving calls from students and parents sometime after midnight about a threatening post circulating on social media that referenced “bhs.”
“I met with the superintendent and high school principal,” Burnet Police Chief Paul Nelson said. “We jumped on it and determined it was not a threat to Burnet High School.”
Officials said the post referred to an out-of-state school, where authorities arrested a teen accused of posting the “bogus threat.”
“In working with the Burnet Police Department, it was determined that the social media post and threat stemmed from a case in New Mexico at Belen High School,” the statement from Burnet CISD Superintendent Keith McBurnett read. “The student responsible for the threat directed at Belen High School was arrested and charged with assault on school personnel, public nuisance, disturbing lawful assembly, disorderly conduct and interference with an education system.”
Despite squelching rumors, Burnet police stepped up patrols on Burnet school campuses to quell fears.
“We did have a little more security at the school to make everyone feel more comfortable,” Nelson said.
Unfortunately, another Central Texas school, Belton High School, faced a similar scare earlier in the week involving the same post, Nelson said.
“(Social media) can really destroy the security of schools and/or any businesses, but it can also help,” Nelson said. “We urge all students or people on social media: Be that one person that says, ‘This is not true,’ and stop it in its tracks.
“See something. Say something,” he added. “That’s what it’s going to take to stop the violence, stop the threat (for) the kids to step up.”