Gun photo circulating on social media leads to frenzy

Gun photo circulating on social media leads to frenzy

Marion school, law enforcement officials step into action after misattributed threat creates concern

ralphhardin@gmail.com While you certainly can’t believe everything you see on the Internet, in a time where mass shootings and violence are all too common, any threat has to be taken seriously.

So when a photograph of an arsenal of weapons began to circulate with the warning “Don’t go to school tomorrow @MHS.

Students,” it created quite an online stir.

The post, which included the text, “Loaded up bout to head out,” and attributed to Elias Fitzgerald, quickly made its way to the Marion Police Department Facebook Page. Additionally, the Marion School District sent out an alert, reading, “We are working closely with the Marion Police Department to thoroughly investigate a threat that has been circulating on social media. The safety of our students remains our top priority. We will provide more information.”

By that time, the photo had been sent and re-sent, now with an added message superimposed on the picture reading “For all my friends that go to Marion High School, try to spread the word.”

The word did, indeed, spread, prompting Marion Police Lt. Detective Freddy Williams to take to social media as well.

“There has been a picture and other information spread around from a Snap Chat post,” said Williams, including a screen shot of the picture in his post. “Superintendent Dr. Glen Fenter, Principal Paul Johnston, Marion Chief of Police Gary Kelley, Marion Fire Chief Woody Wheeless and myself are all in the loop and have discussed the issue.”

Ultimately, the source of the photograph was traced to a student at a school in Virginia, Monticello High School and unrelated to anything or anyone local.

“All have agreed it shows to be isolated in Albemarle County, Virginia,” said Williams. “We do not see a threat to local schools but will have additional Marion Officers and Sheriff’s Deputies in and around the schools this week.”

Other schools fell into the same predicament, particularly those who shared the “MHS” initials. A post from Murray High School in Utah also went on alert.

A post from Monroe High School (the state was not named) went as far as explaining that there was no “Elias Fitzgerald” in the student database and that the Monroe Police Department had spoken to the person who originally shared the photo in that community and determined there to be no credible threat to that school.

How the photo ended up in local social media circles over the weekend was unclear. However, the original post is under investigation in Virginia, where an Albemarle County juvenile is being investigated over the incident.

“The police department and the school district take threats seriously and will take measures to keep everyone safe,” Williams posted Sunday. “School will be back in session as scheduled. If additional information is obtained it will be posted to keep everyone updated. Stay Safe!”

Classes resumed on Monday at all Marion schools following the Christmas break.

By Ralph Hardin