Photos of students with weapons spark concern in Marple Newtown
NEWTOWN » Tuesday night’s Marple Newtown School Board curriculum meeting diverged from its anticipated topic as parents, directors and local police addressed several photographs on social media purporting to show high school students posing with what were subsequently identified as Airsoft BB guns.
The postings were extremely troubling, especially in light of last week’s tragedy at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Fla. Approximately 30 moms and dads joined board members, district administrators and police chiefs Chris Lunn (Newtown) and Tom Murray (Marple) for a discussion of school safety and community coordination.
Marple police were contacted by several school district parents approximately 10:30 p.m., Monday night, after they noticed one student’s Instagram postings. Detectives responded to his home, confiscated the air rifle and talked to the 17-yearold senior and his parents. Murray noted his parents were “extremely cooperative.”
“The picture showed the kid with the air gun next to him, which looks very much like a semi-automatic rifle,” he added. “The caption did not make an overt threat to anyone.”
As a result of the initial investigation, other students were discovered to have posts with weapons, said Murray. No threats were involved and the district and law enforcement agencies are continuing their investigations.
The students were not in class on Tuesday, but the district is prohibited from commenting on what, if any, disciplinary action may be taken with respect to any particular individual, according to a statement by school board Solicitor Mark Serini.
“The safety of all students and staff is the district’s paramount concern,” it added. “At the same time, the district must respect the privacy concerns of the students who allegedly created and posted the photos.”
Marple police and the Delaware County District Attorney’s office are conferring to determine charges, said Murray. Speaking specifically about the initial individual, he added he anticipates charges will be filed.
The parents were particularly concerned in light last week’s school shooting that claimed the lives of 17 students and staff and injured many others. Murray noted their cooperation was key.
“People took the posts seriously,” he said. “We use the phrase ‘if you see something, say something,’ and that’s exactly what they did.”
“Law enforcement and the school district work together to try to anticipate and respond,” he added. “Parents cooperated with police and as a result, we had a successful conclusion.”
Two days after the Parkland assault, Substitute Superintendent Joe Driscoll and Assistant Superintendent Dr. Connie Bompadre sent a letter to district families outlining the steps being taken to secure buildings and improve safety protocols. It noted the district has contracted with a school security firm to develop plans and training programs for students and staff and outlines the actions which have already been taken. A copy is posted on the district website, www.mnsd.net.
In light of the postings, the high school has had an increased presence of township police officers. Guidance counselors have also been made available to students wishing to consult with them, noted Serini’s statement.