Hempfield High student to face charges after allegedly issuing threat

A Hempfield Area High School student will face charges after allegedly using social media to threaten students at the school, Principal Kathleen Charlton said in a letter posted on the school’s website.

According to the letter, the student sent a message Thursday to friends that threatened the safety of students and staff. Those who received the message immediately informed officials of the threat, Charlton said.

State police were contacted and found the student had no intent of acting on the communicated threat. Charges are being filed so the student’s actions can be addressed.

The district is taking disciplinary action against the student to address safety at the school, the principal said.

“We commend the students who received the message for reporting the information to adults immediately,” Charlton wrote. “The Hempfield Area School District will continue to take all such reports seriously and respond in a manner to provide a safe environment within the school setting.”

Charlton could not immediately be reached for comment Thursday evening.

State police did not have further information on the incident.

Megan Tomasic is a Tribune-Review staff writer. You can contact Megan at 724-850-1203, mtomasic@tribweb.com or via Twitter @MeganTomasic..