False Active Shooter Reports at Palmetto High School Spark Panic, Police Investigating Source

Thursday, September 19th, Palmetto High School became the center of concern for students, parents, and staff as false reports of an active shooter circulated widely through second-hand information and social media posts. Despite the growing panic, the Palmetto Police Department swiftly confirmed that there is no active shooter at the school, nor have any incidents occurred at any schools within the City of Palmetto on Thursday.

The Palmetto Police Department and Palmetto High School staff have been fielding numerous calls from concerned individuals, all citing unverified social media reports as the basis for their alarm. Authorities are now working diligently to trace the source of these false claims, which have caused unnecessary distress among the community.

In a statement, the Palmetto Police emphasized the importance of ensuring the safety of local schools and expressed their understanding of the emotional toll that recent social media rumors and threats have taken on both students and parents. They urged the public to help stop the spread of misinformation and rumors related to school threats.

The police department further highlighted the serious consequences of making or spreading false threats and advised parents to discuss with their children the distinction between responsibly reporting safety concerns to trusted adults or through the FortifyFL app, versus sharing threats for attention or amusement.

Authorities are continuing their investigation into the source of this misinformation, reiterating their commitment to maintaining the safety and security of all students and staff in the Palmetto area.