News Photo by Steve Schulwitz Alpena High School is pictured in this July 2022 News photo.

ALPENA — Alpena High School and Thunder Bay Junior High School on Friday went into secure mode because of internet rumors that led staff to determine the lockdown was the safest course of action.

The district also canceled all after-school activities.

Alpena Public Schools released the following statement to APS families just after noon on Friday:

“We are currently investigating a rumor regarding the safety of students during a potential student walk-out at APS today at 12:30 p.m. The walkout is described as ‘a moment of silence for everyone involved in the Nashville shooting.’ There is no existing stated threat, however, we always include law enforcement in any concerns. The walk-out was originally announced on Instagram from an anonymous account. We are receiving student concerns from both the junior high and high school as the rumor spreads. At this time, there is not an actual reported threat, these student concerns are strictly based on speculation that the anonymous announcement may be aligned with threatening behavior.”

The statement added that law enforcement agents were on site at the junior high and high school, and monitored area school buildings as the investigation took place.

“At this time we are placing the junior high and high school in secure mode. The walk-out cannot take place while the school is in secure mode. We will hold a moment of silence in the building at 12:40,” the email to parents explained.

In secure mode all doors are locked and monitored while activities continue inside the building.