Threat to 'shoot up' Racine school; pair of 12-year-old students arrested

Students arrested after threat to "shoot up" Racine school

Racine police arrested two 12-year-old students, a boy and a girl, who they say made a threat to ?shoot up" Racine Christian School on Wednesday, Sept. 17.

RACINE, Wis. - Racine police arrested two 12-year-old students, a boy and a girl, who they say made a threat to "shoot up" Racine Christian School on Wednesday, Sept. 17.

Threat made to school

What we know:

Officials say around 7 a.m. Wednesday, officers were notified of the threat made by students to Racine Christian School. 

School administration proactively canceled classes – and Racine police made contact with both suspects. 

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The initial investigation determined it was unlikely the suspects would have easy access to firearms. However, some items located, including a map of the school, were cause for concern.

The 12-year-old students were taken to juvenile detention. Charges of making terroristic threats and disorderly conduct were referred to the Racine County District Attorney's Office and Human Services Department.

Parents concerned

What they're saying:

Cassandra Schumann, who lives around the corner from the school, said she was stunned.

"I was very surprised it was so close to my home," she said. "There was no activity going on here and we leave here about 7 o’clock and there was nothing going on."

Schumann said she first saw word of the threat on social media.

"Actually through Facebook, which then got me worried, so I had to look at my cameras," she said.

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Schumann, who has a daughter at another school, said threat or not, the fear of a school shooting lingers in the hearts of many parents.

"I understand they are 12, but 12 years old, it has to be coming from somewhere. Is it coming from the home, or is it coming from the school?" Schumann said. "I try to push it to the back of my mind, but every day, it’s there, it's just something you worry about as a parent."

Call with tips

What you can do:

Racine investigators are interested in any additional information that anyone may have about this incident. Any witnesses, or citizens with information, are urged to call the Racine Police Department Investigations Unit at 262-635-7756.

Those who wish to remain anonymous may contact Crime Stoppers by phone at 262-636-9330, or through the Crime Stoppers app by using the P3 Tips.