Phoenix High School 

Phoenix High School was briefly locked down Wednesday afternoon after a student shared a vague threat on the social media app Snapchat.

“It was some kind of nationwide hoax. It appears to have originated in Texas. It said there would be an attack. A student shared it with something like, ‘Be safe out there everyone,’” said Joe Zavala, communications specialist at the Phoenix-Talent School District.

Zavala said Assistant Superintendent Tiffany Lambert and Phoenix High School Principal Kalin Cross were working to reassure terrified parents, Zavala said. The district posted a lockdown message on its website and sent notifications to parents at 2:08 p.m.

“At approximately 1:45 p.m. today, May 10, we became aware of a threat to the safety of our students and staff. Working with Officer Hull and the Medford PD, we are investigating the threat and have decided to put the building in a precautionary lockdown to ensure everyone’s safety,” the message said.

The district posted a second message informing parents the school was downgraded to a lockout at 2:23 p.m., but by then the high school’s parking lot was already filled with anxious parents, Zavala said.

The district monitors social media for potential threats due to the high number of school shootings alluded to over social media in the past and errs on the side of caution, he explained.

“Now it’s only a lockout — if you had an appointment at the school or you were headed here, can’t get in. Inside the building everything is pretty much as usual, classes are going,” he said.

Zavala referenced a news story published on website Yourbasin.com — a new outlet based in Midland, Texas — as an example of the threat’s circulation and mysterious origins.

“… a rumor circulating on social media, predominantly on Snapchat, that indicates there will be a school shooting at 2:30 p.m. and possible bombing at 6:00 p.m. today. … It is not considered a credible threat at this time,” the article said.

According to the article, the Midland School District and a district in Hobbs, New Mexico, were also affected by the Snapchat rumor.