An RCMP investigation into a threatening message reportedly seen at Brooks Secondary School in the evening of October 23 was determined to be low risk and classes continued as usual the next day. At about 6:35 pm, RCMP received the report of a message that concerned a possible safety risk.
Upon arrival at the school, police and school authorities found that a student had seen a message about a possible shooting to occur at the school and posted the threat on social media, according to a statement from RCMP.
Interviews and security checks were conducted and authorities deemed the risk to be low. There was a visible police presence at Brooks as a precautionary measure the following day to ensure the safety of students and staff.
The message was seen in the late afternoon but it was not reported until after 6 pm, according to School District 47 superintendent Jay Yule. The school waited until RCMP completed a search of the building and the interviews before notifying parents and staff after 11 pm.
“The principal emailed over 1,500 people from his database of parents, students and staff,” said Yule. “The district and Brooks also put the message on their website.”
Police found no evidence of a photo or of one being posted on social media and have not confirmed the legitimacy of the reported message, according to Powell River RCMP staff sergeant Rod Wiebe.
“If a photo existed, it was taken down off of social media and deleted,” said Wiebe. “No photo has been provided to the police. If anyone has such a photo I would encourage them to come to the detachment and speak with an investigator.”
According to Wiebe, there was no search conducted at Roots and Wings Early Learning Centre, which is a child-care facility located on Brooks property.
“The alleged threat referred only to the school,” said Wiebe. “There is reason to believe the daycare is not involved in any way.”
Brooks principal Bill Rounis said that BC Safe Schools Threat Assessment Team had also been contacted and will continue to monitor the situation.
