Gresham High School has been placed on “safe” status amid rumors of guns on campus

GRESHAM Ore. (KPTV) – Gresham High School was placed on secure status Wednesday afternoon due to rumors of guns on campus, according to a school district spokeswoman.

According to a statement from Gresham-Barlow School District Communications Director Athena Vadnais, the rumors began this week and spread on social media.

During a “Secure” phase, the school’s external doors are locked and no one is allowed to enter or leave the building while classes continue inside.

People have been asked not to come to campus during this time.

Gresham police were on campus to investigate the rumors, which so far are unfounded.

“This cycle of recurring online threats and rumors is a phenomenon that is becoming increasingly common in the age of social media,” Gresham Police Detective Adam Wright told FOX 12. “Schools where there is a violent or threatening Event often comes with numerous additional/copycat online threats. Rumors and discussions about these threats are circulating in the school community. In many cases, the same rumor circulates through the community more than once, as with each sharing or retelling, details are easily altered, embellished, or lost.”

The Gresham Police Department encouraged students, parents and staff to seek information directly from the Gresham-Barlow School District.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.

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