Gun threat cancels Clintondale High School prom an hour before event
A Macomb County high school was forced to cancel its prom Tuesday night because of a reported threat.
Clintondale High School canceled the dance after the Michigan State Police and the Ok2Say hotline notified school officials about an hour before the event of a tip they received indicating a student may have been planning to bring a gun to prom.
After discussions with Clintondale school administrators, the school resource officer and Clinton Township police, the district canceled the prom.
"My heart broke for them. It's a big milestone in your high school life," said Clinton Township resident Brittaney Hebert. "They canceled it right in the parking lot as kids were standing there. They were very upset, very sad, there were lots of tears, lots of anger."
Clintondale Community Schools Interim Superintendent Kevin Knoblock issued the following statement:
"We are extremely disappointed that we had to cancel prom, but the safety of our students and guests remains our highest priority. We understand there has been misinformation and speculation circulating online, and I would like to clarify the situation.
Approximately 1 hour before the event, the Michigan State Police / Ok2Say hotline notified us that they had received a tip indicating a student may be bringing a firearm to prom. The type of tip was categorized as a "Planned School Attack." Upon receiving this information, Clintondale school administrators and our school resource officer/Clinton Township police discussed the situation.
We carefully considered every option, fully aware of the disappointment this decision would cause for students and families. However, we also recognized the serious potential risk involved and our responsibility to protect everyone attending the event.
After thorough discussion and consultation with law enforcement, the difficult decision was made to cancel prom in order to ensure the safety of all students and guests.
Our School Resource Officer continues to investigate the matter. We are unable to provide additional details at this time.
We understand and share the disappointment felt by our students and families, as well as the time, effort, and expense invested into this special occasion. Student safety, however, will always remain our highest priority."
The Clinton Township Police Department confirmed to CBS News Detroit that it is actively investigating the threat that led to the cancellation of the prom.
The school district has not decided whether the event will be rescheduled.
The prom was scheduled to be held at the Blossom Heath Inn in St. Clair Shores.
"All the time, effort, money spent. And I understand safety first. I get all that, and I agree. But there has to be a different outcome for them to be able to have this prom," Hebert said.
Hebert tells CBS News Detroit that she's committed to making this memorable moment happen. On Wednesday, she launched an online fundraiser to support these students, and it's already gaining traction.
"Whatever we raise, we're going to put on some kind of prom for them. Ya know the venue, the food, the dancing, the drinks, everything they're supposed to have. I really want to get them this prom one way or the other," said Hebert.
The Michigan school safety tipline program is known as OK2SAY. The program began 10 years ago and provides steps that anyone can use 24/7 to report potentially harmful or criminal activities involving students or a school campus.
