In a recent incident that shook the community, a mother from New Mexico found herself in hot water after posting alarming rumors about a potential school shooting on Facebook, rather than contacting the police.
Clara Johnson took to social media to alert other parents at Lincoln Middle School after her son shared some unsettling news with her. She wrote, “Is anyone else’s child at Lincoln? My son heard that some 8th graders might bring guns to school on Monday and have a shootout to see who can last the longest.” Her son also mentioned that the school had made an announcement about emergency procedures in case of a shooting.
While Johnson’s concern for her child and the safety of others was completely valid, her choice to post on Facebook led to widespread panic. A spokesperson from the local police department commented, “It’s understandable for a parent to be worried. However, the proper course of action would have been to notify the school or contact law enforcement with that information.”
As a result of her post, Johnson was charged with creating a public nuisance. Fortunately, the associated 30-day jail sentence was deferred, and she only had to pay $29 in court fees.
While it’s easy to see why she turned to social media — many parents frequently share urgent local news in community groups — it’s crucial to remember that in situations involving potential violence, reaching out to authorities should be the first step. The rumor led to over 160 students skipping school, highlighting the serious consequences of misinformation.
If you ever find yourself in a similar situation, remember: your first instinct should be to call the police, not to craft a Facebook status. For more insights on navigating parenting challenges, check out other articles over at our blog, like this one on contacting us for support. Additionally, for those considering home insemination, resources like Cryobaby At-Home Insemination Kit can provide excellent guidance. And if you’re looking for comprehensive information on infertility, the Women’s Health site at womenshealth.gov is an invaluable resource.
Summary
A mother in New Mexico, Clara Johnson, stirred panic by posting a rumor about a potential school shooting on Facebook instead of alerting the authorities. Charged with creating a public nuisance, her case serves as a reminder that in emergencies, contacting law enforcement is crucial.