Police are investigating an anonymous threat of violence made in connection with an Escondido High School football game Friday night.
The Escondido Police Department received an anonymous tip about the threat, which appears to have originated on social media, just before noon Friday, according to Lt. Chris Lick.
Escondido Union High School District spokesperson Karyl O'Brien told NBC 7 the threat appeared on a social media thread tied to a controversial photo that surfaced Thursday showing students spelling out a racial slur with lettered t-shirts.
The school released a statement condemning the photo, saying 10 students "made a poor decision to participate in an activity that is not aligned with Escondido High School's culture."
EPD and the Escondido School District were reviewing the incident, school officials said.
Lick said officers are trying to determine the validity and origins of Friday's threat, and said extra officers would be at the game as a precaution.
O'Brien said EPD advised that the level of threat didn't warrant game cancellation. Parents told NBC 7 the threat concerned them enough not to allow their kids to attend the game.
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"I do feel scared," said Janelle, an Escondido High School sophomore. "My sister and I were talking about what could happen. I did see cop cars and it makes me feel safe."
Janelle said she was embarrassed by all the negative attention her school received this week.
"Lots of people from other schools are talking about how bad Esco High is," she said.
"We are pleased with the support provided by the Escondido Police Department for tonight’s game and glad to report it was incident free. We look forward to continuing our efforts to collectively learn from yesterday’s actions by a few students further building understanding, compassion and mutual respect," a statement from the district following the game read.
Other parents said recent incidents aren't representative of the community.
"I think it's gone way too far and I really don't think it represents Escondido High School the way it is," parent Jim McCabe said. "It is a diverse group. Many races get along very well."
Information regarding the threat can be reported to EPD at (760) 839-4722 or online at police.escondido.org. Anonymous tips can also be made at (760) 743-8477.
No other information was available.
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