After an investigation, the Parsons Police Department has determined that last week’s reported threat against students and faculty at Parsons High School was fabricated.
The PHS school resource officer received a tip on Tuesday, Sept. 24, about a “shooter list.” The tip was promptly forwarded to detectives, initiating a thorough investigation conducted by detectives, school resource officers and patrol officers, according to a release from Parsons police.
In response to this report, there was an increased law enforcement presence at the high school. Police say they treat any reports of potential violence with the utmost seriousness and remain committed to maintaining a secure environment for the community.
There have been similar incidents nationwide and Parsons police are partnering with the Kansas Fusion Center — a collaboration between local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies — to share critical information and ensure coordinated responses across jurisdictional boundaries.
Multiple search warrants were issued to examine social media activity, cellular devices and several interviews were conducted. Despite the exten-
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sive investigation, no posts or evidence have been found to corroborate the threat.
The Parsons Police Department worked closely with the school district to ensure the safety of all students and staff at Parsons High School following the threat. After the investigation, detectives have determined that the rumored “shooter list” on Snapchat never existed. The individual involved admitted to fabricating the story after overhearing a conversation about not attending school on Wednesday.
They claimed it was “a joke” and did not anticipate the situation escalating to this extent, police said.
The Labette County Attorney’s Office is reviewing the matter to determine if formal charges will be filed against the person or persons involved in spreading this false information.
The Parsons Police Department said in the release that it appreciates the support and partnership of the Parsons USD 503 and the community as it continues to address this case or any other like it.
Parsons Police Chief Robert Spinks said, “It is disheartening that in this day and age we have to worry about our students in school as well as all of the other turmoil that is going on in the world.
“This incident may have not been an actual plan for violence, but it will not deter us from being vigilant in monitoring the schools in the future.
“Having two school resource officers is a great benefit and if anyone, staff or student, ever has problems in the school, please reach out to them and make it known. We do not want to endure the tragedy that could come from not speaking up.”
This continues to be an ongoing investigation, and citizens are encouraged to “see it, hear it, report it.” All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
If anyone has any further information on this incident or any other criminal activity, please contact the Parsons Police Department at 421-7060, call the Tip Line at 421-7057 or email [email protected].
