Duncan Public Schools To Increase Security After Receiving Threats

Officials with the Duncan Public Schools announced Tuesday night that they will increase security on all campuses Wednesday, after receiving threats against Duncan High School.

Australian student Christopher Lane, who was studying at East Central University in Ada on a baseball scholarship, was gunned down while jogging in Duncan last Friday. He was visiting his girlfriend at the time.

The shooting death of Christopher Lane has increased tension in the town of Duncan. Duncan police informed schools officials of anonymous threats made against Duncan High School Tuesday night. 

Although police are not certain if the threats are credible, officials with the school district say they will increase security on Wednesday.

Duncan police will also increase their appearances at the schools.

In addition, all school campuses will be closed. Students will be required to stay on campus once they arrive, unless a parent or guardian checks them out. Students will not be able to leave for lunch off campus, officials said.

Officials say if parents prefer to keep their children home on Wednesday, their absence will be excused.

Three teenagers were arrested in connection with Christopher Lane's death. Two of them have been charged with first-degree murder.

The killing of Christopher Lane has sparked international outrage.

8/20/2013 Related Story: Suspects Arraigned On Murder Charges In Australian Athlete's Death

Dr. Sherry LabyerSee with the Duncan Public Schools released the following statement Tuesday night:

Last Friday's shooting death here in Duncan is a tragedy in so many respects. As a School District, our hearts and prayers are certainly with the family and friends of Christopher Lane. Since the shooting, our administrators have been in continuous contact with the Duncan Police Department to ensure that we are aware of any information that may affect the safety of our students.

This evening, we were informed by the Duncan Police Department of anonymous threats involving Duncan High School. The credibility of the person or persons communicating the threats is very difficult to ascertain. However, we want to be proactive in taking reasonable precautions.

Tomorrow, Duncan Public Schools will have increased security. The Duncan Police Department has pledged its cooperation and resources. In addition, all school campuses will be closed in that all students will be required to stay on campus once arriving unless a parent/guardian checks them out. In addition, students will not be able to leave for lunch off campus as they would normally.

We certainly do not wish to panic our students and parents/guardians. However, we believe it important to notify you of the situation. School will go ahead as planned with normal hours. We will certainly understand any decision that you may feel you need to make with regard with your child or children. If you believe that you prefer to keep your child or children home tomorrow, we respect your decision. Accordingly, any absence for this reason will be excused. Please know that we are committed to taking all reasonable action to protect the well-being of our students.