In an effort to stem rumors and misunderstanding, school superintendent Dan Foster shared information Wednesday afternoon on the incident and the school corporation's and local law enforcement's response to it.

Foster said he has reiterated multiple times that no specific threat was made to the school. "It was presented as the potential of someone bringing a weapon to school as part of a prank 'tomorrow,' which based on the timing we believed to be today (Wednesday), Foster said. 

Late Tuesday afternoon, school officials were made aware of the Snapchat message circulating regarding a student bringing a weapon to the high school as part of a prank. The information was given to school administrators by a teacher who had been alerted by a student.

"School administrators immediately contacted local law enforcement who began an investigation," Foster said in a voicemail message that went out to all school corporation parents Tuesday evening. "At this time there has been no direct threat made towards the school or any occupants, but rather a vague statement about bringing the weapon," the message to parents added.

"School safety is of the utmost importance, and we take this role very seriously," Foster continued in the message. "Therefore, we will have an increased police presence as well as additional measures in place (Wednesday) morning."

Foster also added in the parent message "as there has been no direct threat made, we do not believe this to be credible; however, we are taking no chances on our end. As much as we appreciate your continued support and trust in us to keep your student safe, we recognize the ultimate decision lies with you, the parent."

Law enforcement worked throughout the night in an attempt to identify the person responsible for the Snapchat message.

A second voicemail message went out Wednesday afternoon to update parents. Foster reported that, unfortunately, neither law enforcement, nor school officials have been able to identify the responsible individual yet.

"As there was never a direct or indirect threat, we believe the post may have been intended as a joke between friends that ended up causing justifiable concern," Foster said. "We are asking for anyone with information to come forward to offer assistance."

Foster also explained that a second Snapchat message circulating Tuesday evening was inaccurate, based on hearsay, and was not related to the actual message referencing a weapon. The superintendent said, "the safety of students or staff was not and is not compromised. However, we will continue to take necessary precautions.

The Winamac Police Department is heading the investigation. Pulaski County police deputies and the Indiana State Police are assisting.

Foster said he thanks the "countless law enforcement officers and our staff for all their assistance (Tuesday) evening and (Wednesday). We have been fortunate to have an outstanding police presence at the schools today. As necessary, we will continue to request assistance from law enforcement as well as inspect student bags upon entry each morning."