NEWTOWN, Conn. — A school shooting was prevented in California after a student reported a threat using Sandy Hook Promise’s Say Something Anonymous Reporting System. A student identified warning signs in a peer’s Instagram posts and reported the threats, leading to an intervention that prevented the attack.
This incident marks the 19th planned school attack verified as prevented by Sandy Hook Promise programs since 2018, according to a statement from Sandy Hook Promise.
Details of the California School Shooting Threat
The alleged suspect posted detailed threats on social media, including images of firearms, ammunition, and a mapped-out plan to attack a school in the Sequoia Union High School District.
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After a tip was submitted to the Say Something Anonymous Reporting System, Sandy Hook Promise’s National Crisis Center alerted the Sequoia Union High School District’s local response team.
As a precaution, two schools were placed on lockdown. Law enforcement subsequently detained the student and found weapons at the student’s residence.
“We are proud partners with Say Something and Sandy Hook Promise,” said Jarrett Dooley, executive director of student services with the Sequoia Union High School District. “We are grateful that the anonymous student tip resulted in swift action by local law enforcement and school administrators to keep all students, staff, and community members safe.”
What Is the Sandy Hook Promise Say Something Anonymous Reporting System?
The Say Something Anonymous Reporting System is a 24/7 platform that serves school districts nationwide. It is supported by training programs that teach students and adults to recognize the warning signs of violence. In the past year, the most common tips received have related to bullying, drugs, harassment, self-harm, and suicide.
Since its launch in 2018, the system has prevented at least 19 credible school attacks, including the Sequoia Union High School plot.
Related Article: 5 Ways Schools Can Encourage Students to Report Threats
“Because of the courageous actions of one student – a single voice speaking up – this community was spared unimaginable heartbreak,” said Nicole Hockley, co-founder and CEO of Sandy Hook Promise and mother of Dylan who was killed in the 2012 Sandy Hook Elementary School tragedy.
“Sometimes we receive hundreds of tips about a potential threat,” Hockley added. “Other times, as we saw in California during this incident, it just takes one. At a time where many feel powerless against gun violence, this student’s bravery proves that each of us has the ability to make a difference. Gun violence is not inevitable – it is preventable – and prevention begins when we recognize the signs and take action.”
To be classified as a prevented attack by Sandy Hook Promise, an incident must meet strict criteria, including law enforcement verification of the threat, access to a weapon, a credible plan, and confirmation that Sandy Hook Promise received the initial tip. The system has also helped to avert thousands of other acts of violence, suicide, and self-harm.
For more information on preventing school violence, visit sandyhookpromise.org.
