Viral Snapchat Story threat makes it’s way to @MHT
Police determined the social media threat originated in Virginia, but the @MHS tag raised concerns at high schools around the country.
MANCHESTER, NH – Manchester Police debunked a Snapchat story threat mistakenly thought to be made against Memorial High School Monday night, after speaking with several students sharing a Snapchat story that made reference to “MHS” and gun violence. A concerned parent contacted police after her son advised her of a disturbing Snapchat story showing multiple firearms while referencing “MHS.”
Officers Richard Valenti and Max Rahill looked into the Snapchat story and realized it originated in Charlottesville, VA, by a juvenile using the name of Elias Fitzgerald. The hoax began when a subject showed a photo of multiple firearms while another individual may have added threatening words that read: “Don’t go to school tomorrow @MHS. Students,” followed by, “Loaded up bout to head out towards “MHS,” which was later determined to be Monticello High School in Virginia.
The threat against “MHS” went viral and caused concern in communities across the country that had an “MHS” in their respective cities. Local authorities in Virginia arrested a juvenile in connection with the social media threat.
Manchester Police have worked collaboratively with the Manchester School District and decided to post extra police personnel around the school today. The safety and well-being of all students, faculty and our citizens is paramount.
