Autocorrected 'gunman' SMS prompts school lockdown

Looks like autocorrect has done it again.

 

In yet another case of autocorrect getting its users in trouble, the smartphone feature changed a user's text "gunna" —as in "going to"— to "gunman".

 

Making matters worse was that the message was sent to the wrong number, triggering the lockdown of the West Hall middle and high schools in Georgia, according to a report on the Gainesville Times.

 

But authorities maintained the recipient of the message did the right thing.

 

"It was a combination of odd circumstances. We want to emphasize that the recipient did the right thing in reporting the message," said Sgt. Stephen Wilbanks of the Hall County Sheriff's Office.

 

The report said law enforcement and school officials issued the lockdowns after a West Hall community member reported a threatening text message. 'Gunna' be a 'gunman'

 

The message - "gunman be at west hall today" - was received and reported to police around 11:30 a.m. The lockdown was eventually lifted around 1:45 p.m.

 

But it was only after police had tracked the number when they learned the autocorrect feature on the new cellphone changed "gunna" to "gunman."

 

"The school system always relies on law enforcement for school safety and anytime they request a lockdown we go with that request," said Gordon Higgins, Hall County Schools spokesman. "We always take every precaution concerning a potential threat or danger."

 

Authorities say the person who received the message "did the right thing."

 

Hall Superintendent Will Schofield said locking down the campuses was "standard procedure" and he was pleased with the handling of the situation.

 

"I am extremely proud of our school team members as they handled a challenging situation well," he said. "While this event caused a great deal of anxiety among students, staff and parents, be assured that we will always err on the side of caution when it comes to the safety of our boys and girls." Safety is top priority

 

School officials added safety is their top priority and that giving information to parents as it becomes available is essential.

 

"What we try to do is give parents the best information when we have it," Higgins said.

 

The incident came days after three students were killed at Chardon High School in Ohio, adding to an already stressful situation.

 

Higgins said the time frame between the two events could have had an impact on this event and the way they were handled.

 

He also said threats happen at schools, but generally come from students. He said this was the first time in recent memory that a community member reported a threat. — TJD, GMA News