Westhampton Beach School Shooting Threat Sparks Fears Among Parents, Students

WESTHAMPTON BEACH, NY- Westhampton Beach parents and students are fearful after threats of a high school shooting rumored to be planned for Friday afternoon.

Westhampton Beach Superintendent Mike Radday reached out to parents Thursday night in a robocall: “I am calling this evening to inform the community that late this afternoon we became aware of rumors amongst students that a shooting would take place at Westhampton Beach High School tomorrow. These rumors are unsubstantiated. Please rest assured that we are working closely with the police department and taking all appropriate steps to ensure the safety of our students and staff.”

The call sparked concern among parents, many of who took to social media to discuss the robocall.

Some parents felt the school should be closed Friday. “It’s so unreal to me that this was handled in this manner. School should ask for mandatory shutdown,” parent Lisa Fox said.

Others said their children had heard the robocall and were frightened.

A number of parents said they planned to keep their kids home today.

“It’s one day and any test can be made up,” one mom said. “It’s not worth the gamble to me.”

Another mom added, “Be safe, not sorry. It’s absolutely not work the risk.”

Tensions are heightened because of a shooting earlier this week in Southampton, where a gunman fired shots out of a vehicle, striking three and leaving one in critical condition.

Check back to Patch for updates on this developing story.