UPDATE: LPS lifts Lock Out at MacArthur

LAWTON, Okla. (KSWO) - Lawton Public Schools was on high-alert Wednesday, following rumors on social media of a possible planned shooting which was posted to Facebook overnight.

Wednesday morning LPS officials released a statement reassuring parents the post was evaluated and, since it came from out of state, was not deemed a security threat to students. The statement is below.

The threat originated in a social media post on Facebook, it has since been deleted.

However, LPS officials called MacArthur Middle School parents at 9:58 a.m. after students were placed under Lock Out, which officials said was very different than a Lockdown. Officials with LPS said the Lock Out was related to the early threat to student safety, but it has been cleared at this time. LPS officials did not posted a message about the Lock Out to Facebook, however they said their first priority was contacting parents. We hope to have more details from LPS on the differences between a Lock Out and a Lockdown later tonight at 6.

Officials with the Lawton Police Department said they would continue to increase patrols near schools throughout the day, and assist the Lawton Public Schools Police Department in every way possible.

Make sure to check with 7News tonight at 6, for more information on this developing story.