BY MAIRE O’NEILL
maire@losalamosreporter.com

Los Alamos Police Chief Dino Sgambellone confirmed Friday afternoon that a social media post had warned Los Alamos High School students not to be in the commons area of the facility during lunchtime.

Sgambellone said although LAPD maintains a presence at the school, additional officers were present on campus to make sure nothing happened.

LAHS Principal Carter Payne told the Los Alamos Reporter that LAPS officials and LAPD were made aware Thursday evening of a “troubling message” posted to an “anonymous confessions” Instagram page. The message read, “Don’t be in commons for lunch”.

Instagram was contacted and the students connected to the account were identified. Payne said the original message was submitted to the account several days ago but it wasn’t posted until Thursday afternoon.

In an email to parents and staff this afternoon, Payne said LAPD was quick with their investigation and very supportive of LAHS administration in determining that “the message did not point to an actual safety concern”. He said out of an abundance of caution, LAPD officers were a visual presence on campus throughout the day.

“We appreciate the support from local law enforcement in helping us ensure that student safety provides a solid foundation for all of our activities here at LAHS,” Payne said.