Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin – Lincoln High School experienced a precautionary lockdown on Wednesday, September 18, after a concerning message appeared on a student group’s Snapchat. The message prompted an immediate response from the school administration and the Wisconsin Rapids Police Department (WRPD) at around 10:45 a.m.
The school resource officer and building management swiftly implemented a “Code Yellow” lockdown, increasing security measures without halting all school activities. A thorough investigation by the WRPD soon revealed that the threatening message did not target Lincoln High School directly. Instead, the message originated from New York, where local law enforcement had already begun their investigation.
The lockdown was lifted at 11:25 a.m., with the school returning to normal operations under a “Code Green” status, indicating that there was no longer any threat to student safety.
Superintendent Ron Rasmussen explained that some classrooms were dark during the lockdown because staff members are trained in ALICE (Alert, Lockdown, Inform, Counter, Evacuate) protocols. These protocols enable personnel to make decisions based on the situation, which may include turning off lights, moving students away from doors, and maintaining silence to ensure safety.
Superintendent Rasmussen reassured parents, guardians, and students through a statement shortly after the lockdown that there was no immediate danger and that the situation had been swiftly resolved. He praised the students who reported the disturbing message, emphasizing that they had acted correctly in such circumstances.
Lt. Ross Radtke of the WRPD provided an update via the department’s Facebook page, stating, “Due to the nature of the message, there was a large police response to ensure the safety of the students. Throughout this investigation, it was learned that the message came from the state of New York and was not about Lincoln High School.”
Superintendent Rasmussen also communicated directly with parents through Parents Square, detailing the school’s rapid response. Within 35 minutes, the WRPD had determined that the threat did not apply to Lincoln High School, and the lockdown was lifted. He commended the quick and coordinated efforts of school staff and law enforcement for ensuring the safety of all students and resolving the situation without incident.