Chicago Police will have an increased security presence at Jones College Prep High School Monday after a social media post threatened violence against the school.
A recent Instagram account titled “MAYMAY6th” posted the threats over the weekend, with a picture of a gun that tagged someone saying they would be their "first target."
“Tomorrow is my rapture,” the post began. “Tomorrow is when the day of the dead occurs. You may think I’m dumb for posting this, go ahead. Hopefully I’ll catch you laughing and joking in the hallway so I can quickly end your miserable idiotic life. This is all a game to me. Those who hear me ready to murder and still come are worthless and deserve to die.”
Jones College Prep principal Joseph Powers told NBC 5 the school was made aware of the posting Friday and launched an immediate investigation.
“Based on the wording, timing, and other factors, we did not deem it a credible threat requiring a lock down of the school,” Powers said. “The CPS Safety and Security office is utilizing its cyber security team and working with CPD to trace the origin of the posting, so the investigation is ongoing. We are providing additional security measures to assure everyone that they are safe at school.”
Police confirmed an investigation did not find the threats to be legitimate, but additional officers would be on the South Loop campus at 700 S. State St. throughout the day Monday as a precaution.
“Please be assured that we take the safety and security of our students and staff very seriously,” Powers said.
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Just last month, Jones College Prep was one of only two Chicago schools to be named among the top 100 high schools in the country.
