San Diego

Rincon Middle School Closes After Social Media Threat

Rincon Middle School was closed on Thursday after a social media threat prompted an increase in security, administrators said. 

"In an abundance of caution, school is closed for today Thursday, March 15," the message posted to the school's Facebook page informed parents and students. 

Escondido police said a parent from Rincon Middle showed up to the department with a Snapchat message their child received Wednesday.

The Snapchat post has been circulated so many times, Escondido police said they aren't sure of the photo's origin.

Dr. Luis Rankins-Ibarra, Superintendent of the Escondido Union School District said the administrators are working with police to find the source of the message.

Ibarra said they plan to resume classes on Friday.

There will be more police officers on campus as a result, a statement from Superintendent for the Escondido Union School District, Dr. Luis Rankins-Ibarra, said. Counselors will also be made available for students. 

The superintendent emphasized the school takes any threat seriously.

Gregory Washington's son attends the middle school and he said it's important for administrators and officers to take this type of thing seriously. 

"There are so many school shootings going on in America right now you donโ€™t know if itโ€™s real or if itโ€™s fake," Washington said. "So, you got to take every precaution and be serious about this situation. Even if itโ€™s a joke you got to be serious about this."

The school on Lehner Avenue serves approximately 1,200 students in grades 6-8.

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