Queen Creek police are reassuring parents after a Crismon High School student’s video caused alarm.
“We are aware of concerns circulating on social media regarding a video related to Crismon High School. On Aug. 7, 2024, school administration alerted the (Queen Creek Police Department) school resource officer, who immediately began investigating the incident and video. The investigation determined that there is no credible threat to the school. The video in question did not reference a threat to Crismon High School or any other schools,” according to a QCPD statement.
The police did not provide specifics about the video, nor did an Aug. 7 email to parents from CHS Principal Elyse Torbert.
“The intent of this notification is not to alarm you but to clearly communicate with our parents about potential safety concerns when they arise,” the email stated. “We received a report of a potentially threatening video. Administration began an investigation, and our school resource officer was notified per our safety protocols. After review, there are no safety concerns for our students or school.”
A parent described the content of two videos, which were apparently posted to Instagram by a student, in a Facebook post shared with the Queen Creek Independent.
One video allegedly showed a student rapping and using explicit language, gang signs and racially charged terms. In the second video, the same student is seen still rapping but this time allegedly waving a weapon. The post did not elaborate on what kind of weapon the student was waving.
The Facebook post added that the video did not contain threats to the school or students.
The QCPD statement encouraged parents and guardians to “discuss with your child the seriousness their words can have, this can include threats, bullying, and cyberbullying.”
“If you say it, text it, write it, snap it or post it on social media, students who make threats can face serious consequences. Even if it was meant to be a joke, making a fake threat of violence is a crime.” the statement added.
We’d like to invite our readers to submit their civil comments, pro or con, on this issue. Email AZOpinions@iniusa.org. Janet Perez can be reached at jperez@iniusa.org.
