Whitecourt RCMP investigating high school threat

Feb 8, 2022 | 3:47 PM

RCMP in Whitecourt say they are investigating a threat that was found written on a bathroom stall at Hilltop High School on Feb. 7.

Police say the information received referred to a shooting at the school that would happen on Feb. 8.

Following the notification of the threat, mounties opened up an investigation and began safety planning with the school. Police were present throughout the school for the duration of classes Tuesday.

RCMP worked with the school district to determine an appropriate response. Authorities say each threat is evaluated individually, and every effort is made to keep students safe.

School officials and police are continuing to balance the need to minimize disruptions to student learning with the need to ensure student safety, which mounties say often requires police attendance to evaluate the safety of school grounds, or increased patrols for non-specific threats.

Whitecourt RCMP says they take threats like this very seriously. The investigation into the incident remains ongoing and police are asking for the public’s help for any information in relation to this event.

by Shane Clausing