By Lookout Staff

December 6, 2021 -- A Santa Monica High School student was removed from campus Monday after school officials were alerted to a "disturbing post" on snapchat, District officials said.

Samohi Principal Dr. Antonio Shelton said he received a phone call around 7 a.m. regarding the post and promptly contacted the Police Department and school security.

"The school security team and I met with the student at the 7th and Michigan gate," Shelton said.

"The Santa Monica Police Department met with me, the parents and the student to conduct an investigation regarding the threatening photo.

"The family was cooperative and the residence and car of the student have been searched. The student has been removed from campus and the appropriate discipline measures have been taken.

"At this time the Santa Monica Police Department does not feel that the student poses any threat to the school community,” Shelton said.

Santa Monica Police Department spokesman Lt. Rudy Flores said the threat was made "on a private Snapchat page sometime last night.

"The post was seen by other students who informed their parents who in turn notified school officials," Flores said.

Police searched the student's property, vehicle and residence and found "no weapons nor other criminal related items," he said.

Police have increased patrols in the area of the campus "out of an abundance of caution" and "will maintain in close contact with school staff," Flores said.

In an email message Monday morning District Superintendent Ben Drati assured parents, guardians and staff that "the campus is safe and school is in session as usual.

"We are working closely with the Santa Monica Police Department on this incident and the student involved has been removed," Drati wrote.

Drati encouraged those with information concerning threats to report them to the District.

"We take any alleged threats seriously and will immediately investigate with our law enforcement partners," Drati said.

The threat comes six days after four students were killed and seven people injured after a student opened fire at Oxford High School in a distant suburb of Detroit.

Ethan Crumbley, a 15-year-old sophomore, was arrested and charged as an adult for 24 crimes, including murder and terrorism.

Crumbley's parents were charged on Friday with involuntary manslaughter for failing to secure the handgun used in the shooting.

Any threats of crime, vandalism or harm in the Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District can be reported anonymously: 1-800-78-CRIME or online at www.wetip.com.