Alleged threats lead to precautions at 2 schools

Police probe cascade of online chatter that emerged after student’s death

In the wake of a student’s death, the RCMP is sifting through what it describes as “an ever-expanding rumour mill” on social media while investigating online threats directed at a Balgonie high school.

The threats prompted Greenall High School and Balgonie Elementary School to go into holdand-secure mode on Wednesday morning as a precaution after Prairie Valley School Division became aware of social media comments about Greenall and its students.

According to the Regina Police Service (RPS), which is assisting the RCMP, the alleged threats followed the death of a student at a Balgonie school.

“Our police service was made aware, this morning, of the tragic death of a student of the Balgonie school, on Monday night. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of this youth,” police spokeswoman Elizabeth Popowich said in a news release.

“Subsequent to the youth’s death, it’s alleged there were threats directed at other students of the same school. Our involvement comes about as the result of interactions/relationships/ friendships between students of two different school divisions, spanning two different municipalities.”

An update from the RCMP said the comments made online toward the school and students were vague, but serious enough to warrant the schools to enact safety protocols, which remained in place throughout the day.

Students and staff were allowed to enter the school, but authorities asked that anyone who didn’t need to be there to avoid the area.

The RCMP is still working with Regina police determine exactly what was said.

Most of the information police had was coming from third and fourth parties through social media platforms, making it difficult for police to determine if there is a genuine danger.

“Most of the social media comments are being conducted by kids and the ever-expanding rumour mill. The ‘I heard this’ and ‘so and so heard that’ is making determining what exactly the thoughts are behind the posts, or if there is a real threat so difficult,” an RCMP news release issued Wednesday afternoon.

“Student safety is top priority for both the RCMP and the school board which is why the hold mode is still in place,” it added.

Regina police became involved because of interactions between students in Regina and the Prairie Valley School Division.

While Regina police interviewed people, no arrests were made. No schools in Regina enacted a secure-the-building protocol.

Wednesday morning, Prairie Valley School Division issued a statement indicating supports will be in place for students following a “tragic loss.”

“Our sympathy and condolences are extended to the family and we share in their sorrow and loss,” it added.

“This is a difficult time for the family and we are committed to respecting their privacy.”

The division said it has a team of counsellors providing assistance to staff and students.