Panther Valley superintendent Dennis Kergick Sr. released a statement this afternoon about the threat that resulted in a lockdown and early dismissal today.

Kergick said the threat, through an anonymous email, "alleged that there were to be handguns brought into school for the purpose of 'shooting up the place' during the 7th period."

Kergick said, "The threat implicated one of our students and is totally without foundation or without merit. We do take any and all threats seriously and would never risk the well being of any of our students or staff."

Local police departments were made aware of an alleged threat of violence reported to take place at the Panther Valley Junior Senior High School.

"Once we were made aware of this alleged threat of violence the district put into place a set of protocols and practices that would ensure the safety and well -being of the students and staff of the PVJSHS," Kergick said.

"We did initiate a lockdown and developed a plan for a thorough search of the PVJSHS. The Pennsylvania State Police K-9 unit was contacted as well as the Whitehall Township Police for their K-9 Services. Nothing of any harm was found in the school or surroundings."

Kergick thanked the Nesquehoning, Lansford, Summit Hill and Coaldale Police Departments as well as the Carbon County EMA and the Fire Police for their service.

He concluded, "I do wish that we could provide information to everyone in a more expedient and efficient manner. This cannot take place until we have all of the facts and accurate information fully investigated, developed and ready for community partners. I honestly cannot share information that I do not know and I certainly do not ever want to cause widespread panic and hysteria. "