Update: The Ithaca Police Department has released a statement in regard to a video found on social media that involved an Ithaca “youth” with a handgun.
Police said the person was “holding a firearm and referencing a school” but did not mention a specific school.
According to IPD, no charges have been filed at this time.
“There is not an immediate threat at this time; however the Ithaca Police Department and the Tompkins County Sheriffs Department are investigating further and are keeping ICSD informed of any progress or any changes regarding the safety of students and faculty,” police said.
Police have declined to comment where the student goes to school.
Multiple Ithaca High School parents, however, reported receiving an automated call from district in regard to the incident and police vehicles were seen at the high school this morning.
According to a news release from Trumansburg Central School District, the video depicted a student with a handgun in school bathroom, prompting a lockout and “stay in place” within the district for 45 minutes this morning. The district stated in a news release that they were informed about the video from a “neighboring school district.”
The entire comment from IPD is as follows:
The Ithaca Police Department has been made aware of several social media posts containing a person holding a firearm and referencing a school. The posts do not specifically mention any of the schools in the Ithaca City School District. The posts were created by a youth who resides in the Ithaca area.
No charges have been filed at this time. There is not an immediate threat at this time; however the Ithaca Police Department and the Tompkins County Sheriffs Department are investigating further and are keeping ICSD informed of any progress or any changes regarding the safety of students and faculty.
Any pertinent information regarding school safety plans will be released as needed.
Earlier reporting —
ITHACA, N.Y. — An online video of a student with a handgun in a school restroom led to several schools being placed in lockout and a “hold in place” on Wednesday morning.
According to a news release, the Trumansburg Central School District reported they were informed by a “neighboring school district” about the video, prompting immediate action. People in all three buildings at the district were put in lockout and hold in place for about 45 minutes, meaning people’s movements were limited and the school and school grounds were secured.
Superintendent of Schools Kimberly Bell said the Tompkins County Sheriff’s Department, New York State Police, and Trumansburg police responded to the school to ensure people’s safety. It was eventually found, however, that the video did not originate within the district.
Bell said in a news release, “Law enforcement has confirmed there is no threat and no students’ health, safety or welfare was or has been in jeopardy.”
Parents within the Ithaca City School District, specifically parents of students at Ithaca High School, received an automated call from the district informing them that all was safe at the school. However, additional details were not released, causing mass speculation about the incident on social media.
Several parents reported seeing police vehicles at the school this morning.
Calls to Ithaca City School District Superintendent Luvelle Brown’s office, ICSD human resources, and the Board of Education have not been returned. An email to the district’s communication office has also not been returned.
Ithaca Police spokesman Jamie Williamson said a news release with more information about the incident will be released.
This is a developing story. Have more information about this incident? Call Reporter Jolene Almendarez at 210-550-0087 or email at jalmendarez@ithacavoice.com.