On Tuesday September 24, 2024, just after 6 p.m., the Newport Police Department was made aware of a Snapchat post that was being shared online alleging a threat to a then unknown student(s), and the implication of a school shooting for Wednesday September 25, 2024. Officers immediately began investigating the source of the threat and, with the assistance of the Lincoln County School District, a suspect was identified and interviewed. After a thorough investigation into the matter, it was determined the threat had no validity and there was no active threat to any students or to the school.

However, due to the great deal of alarm caused by the threat, the 14-year-old student of Newport High School who made the threat was taken into custody for Disorderly Conduct I, a Misdemeanor, and lodged at the Linn County Juvenile Detention Center in Albany.

Although it was determined the statement was made in poor taste, the Newport Police Department and the Lincoln County School District have zero tolerance for threats against schools or the children who attend them. Because the student is a juvenile, their name is not being released.

The Newport Police Department received numerous calls from concerned parents and school administrators reporting the threat and we would like to thank them for alerting us in a timely fashion so that we could conduct a thorough investigation and ensure the safety of our schools and students. The incident remains under investigation. If you have any information regarding this case, please contact Sgt. Leake of the Newport Police Department at 541-574-3348. The Newport Police Tip Line is available at 541-574-5455, or Text-a-Tip at 541-270-1856 or tipline@newportpolice.net.