Cape Girardeau, other local schools increase security after new social media threats list local campuses

Cape Girardeau Public Schools officials communicated Sunday night, Sept. 15, that they were “made aware of a social media post that includes threatening language along with a list of local schools.”

The threatening post, separate from threats received Friday, Sept. 13, listed Cape Girardeau, Sikeston, Kelly, Charleston, New Madrid and East Prairie schools as potential targets of violence. The Snapchat post circulating on social media said “We coming better get ready bc you don’t know who is next” followed by a squirt gun and dove emoji.

“We have been in contact with our school resource officers, law enforcement and administrators from many local schools,” communication to families from CGPS said. “You will likely see an increased police presence on our campuses tomorrow as a precaution.”

In addition to Cape Girardeau schools, Charleston, Kelly, New Madrid and Sikeston schools were also in session Monday, Sept. 16, and have communicated with families as well through Facebook. East Prairie has not made any posts to social media regarding the threats, and attempts to contact district administration for more information were unsuccessful.

CGPS praised a student who brought the threatening message to the district’s attention, and recommends students and families report any threats to Courage2Report, Missouri’s official reporting mechanism, by calling (866) 748-7047 or texting “C2R” to 738477 to receive a link to an anonymous tip form. Contacting school and district administration is also an option.

“We would like to take a moment to commend the student who shared this post with administrators, which is exactly what students or families should do when made aware of similar social media posts or messages,” CGPS said. “As we stated last week, we take all threats very seriously and the individual or individuals responsible will face very serious consequences.”

According to the school districts in question, the threatening messages appear to be unsubstantiated and part of a recent, nationwide trend of fake threats being made to cancel classes.