Delaware State Police investigate concerning social media image

LEWES, Del. – Delaware State Police say they investigated a social media threat Wednesday afternoon.

At around 2:45 p.m., Delaware State Police were contacted by Cape Henlopen High School staff, reporting a concerning image of a gun and a threat to the school that was circulating on social media. Sussex Central High School staff also contacted police regarding the same image.

Further investigation revealed that the image has been circulating nationwide for the last several years. Police say at this time, they have no indication that the threat was credible, however, they remind citizens that the absence of intelligence does not mean a lack of a threat. Suspicious activity should always be reported to police.

The Indian River School District released the following statement regarding the incident:

“Sussex Central High School administration and our Delaware State Police school resource officer received concerns from students and family members regarding threats on social media against the school. This was immediately reported to the Delaware State Police. Delaware State Police confirmed that at this time there is no credible threat to the school and the picture that is circulating on social media is an old picture from 2018 that has previously been investigated.”

The Cape Henlopen School District has also released a statement regarding the incident:

“Cape Henlopen High School and District administrators were made aware that there is a concerning picture circulating social media. After working with Delaware State Police, it has been determined that this picture is from 2018 and originated in the state of New Mexico. This is not a threat towards Cape Henlopen High School. Our community’s safety is always at the forefront of our mind, and it’s important to share that this has been determined to be a non-credible threat.”