Two juveniles were arrested on Thursday after the Kewanee Police learned about a terrorist threat made on social media. A 16-year-old was arrested for making a false terrorist threat, and a 14-year-old was arrested for conspiracy to make a terrorist threat, possession of ammunition without a FOID card, and unlawful use of a weapon. Both juveniles were released into the custody of parents and issued notices to appear in court.
Kewanee High School administration released a statement Thursday night through an email to all KHS students stating that the administration was alerted of a concerning social media post on the evening of Aug. 24. The post was made after school hours and off school property.
One source with knowledge of the threatening post said it appeared to show an automatic rifle with a clip and stated that the juvenile was “about to shoot up the school.”
School officials immediately notified the KPD, and the department was already investigating the issue. The KPD later notified the KHS administration that the individual in question had been located and taken into custody.
The school administration stated that the investigation was ongoing. School will be in session on Friday as normal, the statement read. Counselors will be available to students with concerns.
A message left for Dep. Chief Stephen Kijanowski for a comment had not been returned, but the story will be updated if more information becomes available.
