Melbourne School Locked Down After Social Media Threat
St Bede’s College, located in Mentone, Melbourne, faced an unexpected disruption this morning when it was placed on lockdown due to a concerning social media post. The incident unfolded around 8:25 AM on Wednesday, following a troubling image that surfaced online the previous night. The post, which included a photo captioned “I’m unloading mags on my teacher,” raised alarms and prompted immediate action from the school and law enforcement.
The unsettling post triggered an intense response, with Victoria Police stepping in to investigate. The image, which was widely shared on platforms like Snapchat, depicted a gun and ammunition, accompanied by the disturbing caption. As news of the post spread, concerned parents took to social media, expressing their fears and seeking clarity on the situation. One parent’s Facebook post highlighted their worry, “Sadly I believe a kid has posted a photo with a weapon. I hope I’ve heard wrong.” Another confirmed the seriousness of the threat, stating, “A male posted a photo of a gun and bullets, mentioning wanting to harm a teacher.”
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In response to the perceived threat, St Bede’s College initiated a lockdown protocol as advised by police. This precautionary measure was part of a broader police operation to ensure the safety of students and staff. Throughout the lockdown, which lasted until approximately 9:40 AM, the school community remained on high alert, with emergency services investigating the origin of the post.
Victoria Police later confirmed that the post did not explicitly threaten any specific school or individual but was deemed threatening enough to warrant immediate investigation. A 17-year-old male was arrested in connection with the post. He was subsequently released with a caution, as investigations continued to ascertain the full context and intent behind the message.
During the lockdown, parents received text messages from the school keeping them informed. The communication reassured them that all students and staff were safe, though no further updates were provided during the lockdown. St Bede’s College Principal, Deb Frizza, addressed the situation in a statement, expressing gratitude for the community's patience and cooperation. She confirmed that the lockdown had been lifted and that normal classes had resumed.
Founded in 1938, St Bede’s College is a prominent Catholic boys' school in Melbourne. The annual fees for attending the college range from $9,380 for Year 7 students to $9,580 for those in Year 12. These fees cover tuition, facility maintenance, and other essentials, though they do not include additional costs such as uniforms, textbooks, or optional trips.
Today’s events serve as a stark reminder of the challenges schools face in maintaining security and responding to threats in an age where social media can amplify concerns rapidly. The swift action by both the school and police highlights the importance of vigilance and preparedness in ensuring the safety of educational environments.
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