Photo by James Short
Police confirm the school district's comments about a bullet being found in a classroom.
Given the concerns surrounding the early dismissal of Wissahickon High School on Thursday, the Lower Gwynedd Township Police Department, which responded to the scene for assistance, released a statement later the same evening.
The statement from Police Chief Paul Kenny came in the form of a press release aiming to inform the community that all was well.
“On Thursday, Sept. 12, Wissahickon High School alerted the Lower Gwynedd Police of a bullet that was located in a classroom,” said Kenny via the public release. “Out of an abundance of caution, Wissahickon School District dismissed students from the high school early for the day.”
Wissahickon Now reached out for comment from the chief, who said, as the investigation is ongoing, there is not much detail he can release at this time.
Kenny did tell WissNow.com that the student who owns the bullet has not yet been identified. He would not release at this time the type or size of the bullet found. No charges have yet been filed, as the actor is still unknown.
The chief’s statement echoed that of the high school’s principal, Dr. Lynne Blair, which was emailed to parents and families Thursday evening.
Kenny said that the process of looking into the matter continues as of Thursday night.
“Lower Gwynedd Police Department is currently investigating the incident,” he said.
Kenny told WissNow.com that at this time, no hit list was found, as some social media rumors implied. The police continue to search social media, he said, for any hints of such a list.
The chief added that the students, staff, and faculty of the high school were never in any immediate or real danger, nor was the township or its residents.
“At no time was the Wissahickon High School Community or the community at large in immediate danger,” said Kenny.
Photo by James Short“The Wissahickon School District is cooperating with police and will communicate further information to families as the investigation continues,” said Kenny. “Updates will be provided as further information becomes available.”
Kenny told Wissahickon Now that he is confident in students and staff returning to the building today (Friday).
"Yes, we have additional officers in addition to our school resource officers on location to help ease peoples' concerns," he said.
He said the community should try not to worry. While national headlines of school shootings fill many news feeds, he is confident in keeping the community, and especially the local schools, safe.
"We treat our school community like family," Kenny told WissNow.com. "Please know the safety of the children is our highest priority. We have an excellent trained staff and police who work together for a safe school. I am grateful for the work they do each day and know that the students are in good hands."
For more on the initial announcement to dismiss, visit Wissahickon Now’s story here. For the details of Blair’s email to the district’s families, read Wissahickon Now’s story here.
WissNow.com will continue to follow the story and share any confirmed details with the community as soon as possible.
