New Zealand’s openly gay Deputy Prime Minister Grant Robertson has shown his support on social media toward a school in the Nation’s Capital that has been sent into lockdown following a “credible threat” to the LGBT+ student community.
Wellington High School, adjacent to the CBD, went into lockdown for about an hour on Thursday morning after police followed up on social media threats.
A student at the school has allegedly tipped off the school and the police to messages from a person, that does not attend the school, who was planning a school shooting.
Neither the police nor the school have confirmed a link between the student’s tip and the lockdown on Thursday.
Police have said the lockdown was in response to threats made on social media, and they were talking to two people in relation to the incident.
Instagram messages between the alleged would-be shooter and another person that have been seen by Stuff suggest the alleged shooter planned to share the incident on Facebook saying, “I can’t wait I’m soo excited.”
It is also alleged his public Instagram page, which has since been taken down, included white supremacist imagery.
Among the posts was a picture of the Christchurch mosque shooter – posted on Thursday morning – as well as a rifle and bullets being held in someone’s hand, posted the night before.
Another student at the school told Stuff the alleged would-be shooter had been posting on social media about having a gun and bullets and being a “Nazi”.
A message on the School’s website appeared early afternoon explaining the situation was now under control.
“Police received credible information this morning about a threat to the school which is why we asked students to stay in classrooms. The situation we were managing has now been resolved with police support. All students, staff and persons on-site are safely accounted for. Everyone did extremely well and responded to instructions. I would like to personally thank you for your support and trust during this difficult time. Ngā mihi – Dominic Killalea, Principal”
Wellington Central MP Grant Robertson, who is the country’s first openly gay deputy Prime Minister posted to social media saying he was sending “aroha” to Wellington High School.
”This is a tough time but I know Dominic and the team always have the wellbeing of students, esp LGBTQI, at heart. And we all need to stand strong against bigotry and hatred,” he wrote.
Sending my aroha to all at Wellington High and whanau. This is a tough time but I know Dominic and the team always have the wellbeing of students, esp LGBTQI, at heart. And we all need to stand strong against bigotry and hatred. Kia kaha https://t.co/wKaeHuVY1s
— Grant Robertson (@grantrobertson1) November 25, 2020
Investigations continue.
Last Updated on Nov 26, 2020
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