West Linn, Ore. – On the morning of November 5, before classes began at West Linn High School, administrators discovered a voicemail threatening a school shooting, prompting immediate concern and swift action from school officials and law enforcement.
According to Student Resource Officer John Rimington, the threat was quickly investigated and ultimately determined to be not credible, but authorities still took it seriously given the nationwide climate surrounding school safety.
“The threat came from an external person who had nothing to do with the school and was related to another student through friends of friends,” Rimington explained. “Once we investigated, we determined that the threat was not credible, and then life went back to normal. But we took precautions because of the environment we live in — with what’s happened in Wilsonville, Oregon City, and across America — it’s always better to be safe than sorry.”
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The discovery of the voicemail triggered an immediate safety response from the school’s administration and the West Linn Police Department. Officers were stationed around the campus, and students noticed an increased police presence, including an armed officer at the school entrance.
Principal Trevor Menne said the decision to have additional officers on campus was made out of an abundance of caution.
“Safety is our first priority, and we take it extremely seriously,” Menne stated. “It might be disconcerting for students and parents to see more police officers around, but when there are unknowns, both we and the police will treat it seriously until we know exactly what’s going on.”
By 9:59 a.m., the school sent out an email to all students and staff to clarify the situation and reassure them that there was no ongoing danger. The message also included information about support resources, such as the school’s counseling team, for anyone feeling anxious or unsettled.
Menne emphasized the importance of preparedness and calm during potential safety incidents. “The most important thing is to stay calm,” he said. “If we ever need to go into one of our safety protocols — whether it’s a lockdown or a lockout — it’s important to take it seriously, follow directions, and help others do the same.”
While the voicemail threat was not real, the event served as a reminder of the need for vigilance. Officer Rimington noted that even false alarms must be handled as if they are genuine until proven otherwise.
“Be vigilant,” Rimington urged. “If you see something or hear something, let someone know. Most threats are not credible — about 99% of them — but we have to treat them all as if they are. If you notice a student struggling or saying something concerning, tell a teacher or counselor. Sometimes, early intervention can prevent something really bad from happening.”
Both school officials and law enforcement stressed that student awareness and communication play a crucial role in maintaining a safe learning environment. They encouraged students to report suspicious behavior, no matter how small it might seem.
Although classes continued as usual later that day, the incident reinforced how seriously schools must respond to even the slightest sign of danger. West Linn High School officials expressed gratitude for the cooperation of students, parents, and law enforcement, reminding the community that safety remains their highest priority.
