NE. Social Media Rumors of School Violence Riles School

One student wrote on her Facebook page, “Is this shooting at school tomorrow for real? why is everybody freaking out!?”

Bellevue Public Schools spokeswoman Cathy Williams said the rumor stemmed from a fight Tuesday between students at the high school.

Similar rumors swirled around Omaha South High School, prompting police to post extra officers at the school Thursday afternoon. Authorities are investigating whether the South High rumors were related to the Bellevue West incident,  involving six boys.  The boys were expelled, Evers said. Four were cited on suspicion of disturbing the peace and two for assault, police said.

Rumors began circulating Wednesday morning that a “retaliation shooting” would take place Thursday, Evers said.

Police could not pin down the origin of the rumor, or if an actual threat was made. But they took it seriously, he said.

School officials reported about 100 more absences than normal. They attributed that, at least in part, to concerned parents keeping their children home.

http://www.omaha.com/article/20110127/NEWS01/110129702/640

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