San Diego

Rumors of Possible Threat Prompt Patrick Henry HS Principal to Cancel Rally

Rumors of a possible threat at Patrick Henry High School in Del Cerro prompted the school’s principal to cancel a spirit rally Friday.

PHHS Principal Listy Gillingham sent a letter to parents and staff explaining that, while there has been no specific threat made to the school, rumors have created an uneasy feeling on campus.

"National events have shaken all of us; I’ve spoken with many students on the fear they feel due to these national incidents. We’ve also had some rumors floating around campus about safety," the letter read.

Although campus police said they were confident the rally could be held safely, Gillingham chose to cancel the rally and asked for extra security out of an abundance of caution and to ease concerns. 

Concern increased when a non-student came on campus to meet with a friend and retrieve his backpack. Security stopped and searched the individual and did not find any weapons. They determined he was not a threat.

The San Diego Unified School District (SDUSD) was also investigating Friday a threatening message written on the wall of a bathroom stall at Point Loma High School.

"Unfortunately, this is the new normal in our country," said SDUSD spokesperson Isabella McNeil. "Our staff is accustomed to handling these situations, and we encourage all students to be in school today."

On Thursday, classes were canceled at Torrey Pines High School due to a threat made by a former student. 21-year-old Kevin Gregory Matlak was taken into custody and charged with one felony count of making criminal threats.

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