Two juveniles have been arrested in connection with a threatening message posted on Snapchat, according to the Seneca Falls Police Department.
Authorities were alerted to the incident by the FBI and the New York State Intelligence Center on the evening of Sept. 23. The juveniles, whose identities are being withheld due to their age, were taken into custody following a swift investigation led by School Resource Officer Sgt. Michael Poole. Police said the situation was resolved within an hour of the initial notification.
“There is no ongoing threat to our schools or the community,” Police Chief Timothy A. Snyder said in a statement. He emphasized that no specific school was mentioned in the post. Snyder also credited the quick collaboration between local, state, and federal agencies for the efficient handling of the case.
The juveniles are facing felony charges of making a terroristic threat, police said. They were released into the custody of their parents and are scheduled to appear at Seneca County Probation at a later date.
Chief Snyder highlighted the gravity of the situation, stating, “We take all threats seriously, and our swift response demonstrates our commitment to ensuring the safety of our residents, especially our youth.”
The police department is urging parents to talk with their children about responsible social media use and the serious consequences that can result from making threats online.
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