Canby High School was briefly locked down during an assembly Friday morning after administrators and law enforcement became aware of a threatening social media post. No one was injured in the incident, and police are continuing their investigation into the post and its author.
Canby Police Chief Jorge Tro told the Current Friday afternoon that the post was extremely vague but appeared to allude to a possible shooter on school grounds.
“It was very generic: no names, nothing specific,” he said. “The school did a great job of doing a lockdown as a precaution.”
Canby High students first saw the post and brought it to the attention of administrators and School Resource Officer Maria DeLuna shortly at approximately 11 a.m. Friday, when most of the student body was attending an assembly.
“During our assembly, we became aware of a social media post indicating a possible threat outside of the building,” Principal Cari Sloan said in a message to students and families. “In an abundance of caution, we immediately responded by alerting law enforcement, securing the perimeter, and keeping students safe in the building.
“After a thorough investigation, police deemed the threat not credible and remained vigilant on-site. Our safety response was lifted, and students returned to class.”
Tro said Canby officers, with the assistance of Molalla Police and Clackamas County sheriff’s deputies, did a thorough search of the school and grounds.
“We made sure everything was safe and secure, then stayed on campus until students returned to their classes,” he said.
Tro said the investigation is ongoing and praised school staff and the students who first brought the post to the attention of Canby High School leadership and law enforcement.
“They did exactly what we would want them to do,” he said. “Everybody did a good job.”
In her message Friday afternoon, Sloan thanked families for their trust and partnership, saying she understands that such incidents are always scary for parents and guardians.
“These kinds of events may bring about different responses and emotions for your child or children, so we have counselors on-site to meet and talk with them,” she said. “You may want to discuss this event with your student or students as they process.
“We are so thankful for our law enforcement partners for helping us ensure everyone’s safety today and every day, and I am so proud of our students and staff for their collective care of one another.”
Anyone with information about the incident is asked to please call the Canby Police Department at 503-655-8211.
