Through diligent eyes, a concerning social media post made by a current middle school student was reported to district personnel Saturday evening. In turn, this was immediately shared with the Republic Police Department who quickly began an investigation of the situation. It's important to note that regardless of severity, we take these situations seriously and are thankful for RPD's partnership in working through these types of cases. A short time ago RPD released the below information.
Moving forward, we will assist RPD as needed. T
he safety of our students and employees is our number one priority, and to ensure this safety we must all work together. We are incredibly proud of those who saw the concerning post on social media and reported it. Their quick action is to be commended!
The relationships that we build with our students, families and district team members continue to support our growth and, in this instance, the safety of our schools. We must continue to encourage each other to be aware of potential safety threats and report them, as in this case. This awareness and subsequent action is the best defense in keeping our schools safe.
We want nothing more than for school to be a safe environment to prepare our students for their futures, and we will continue to instill practices that support this. We will help students process this situation and continue to reiterate the message that we must all work together to keep our schools safe. S
taff at every grade level will meet prior to school beginning tomorrow to be provided helpful talking points that will assist supporting students through any conversations that might arise.
Again, we commend those who reported the concerning post. Together we can empower positive student voices, spread kindness and continue to keep our schools safe.
Josey McPhail
Director of Communications
PRESS RELEASE ISSUED BY THE REPUBLIC POLICE DEPARTMENT:
For more information or if transmission of this document is poor, contact:
Tim Wheeler
Republic Police Lieutenant
(417) 732-3970 or (417) 732-3170
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Republic Arrest of Juvenile for Terrorist Threats
REPUBLIC, MO - A thirteen year old Republic male is in custody for Making a Terrorist Threat- 1st Degree (RsMO 574-115) after an overnight investigation by the Republic Police Department in cooperation with the Republic Schools and the Greene County Prosecutors Office.
On February 17, 2018 at about 6:00 pm the Republic School District and Republic Police received information from a local resident about a possible threat to a school. A subsequent investigation discovered that a local thirteen year old had made and sent a threatening video, via social media, that he would shoot up a school with an AK47. That threatening video was originally sent to another person on February 16, 2018 in the late evening, but was not reported to authorities until Saturday, February 17, 2018 in the early evening.
The thirteen year old male was quickly identified with the assistance of the Republic School District. In the early morning hours of February 18, 2018 a search warrant was signed by a Greene County Judge to search the thirteen years old juvenile's residence. The Juvenile was arrested at 2:37 am this morning and transported to the Greene County Juvenile Detention Center. Guns and other evidence were seized from the juvenile's residence. The investigation in on going.
The safety and security of students and school staff is of utmost priority for the Republic Police and Republic School District. It is important for students and parents to immediately report threats like this to law enforcement so a proper investigation can be conducted.