A reporter for KSDK in St. Louis, Mo., caused a panic Thursday while researching a story on school safety. The St. Louis Dispatch reports:
An undercover television news story to test security in local schools triggered a lockdown Thursday at Kirkwood High, angering parents and raising questions about media ethics.
Students and teachers at the school were huddled in classrooms with the lights off for about 40 minutes Thursday afternoon after a man came into the school and asked to speak with security, then left.
The visit was one of five made by the television station to schools in the region aimed at exposing lapses in school security.
The school alerted parents of the situation via social media and telephone.
This is Ginger Cayce. KHS is on lockdown. We do not believe there is any imminent danger. Here is what I know. An… http://t.co/lLiWcGcKf7
— Kirkwood School Dist (@kwoodschools) January 16, 2014
This is Ginger Cayce. KHS is on lockdown. We do not believe there is any imminent danger. Here is what I know. An man came in and stated that he wanted to talk to security. He gave his name and cell number. When the secretary left to get the SRO, the person left the office and will not answer his phone. This initiated the lockdown.
https://twitter.com/EmNEm_17/status/423946212547379201
I'm appalled by what happened at Kirkwood High School in St. Louis today. Boo you, KSDK! #KSDKnews #disgrace #shameonyou #KHSLockdown
— Alex Glover (@A_Glove12) January 17, 2014
@ksdknews What the hell is wrong with you? I get the need to ask questions, but why be so evasive? You're pathetic. A Kirkwood parent.
— Chris O'Leary | Baseball (@thepainguy) January 17, 2014
@ksdknews not only did you interrupt the education of the students for a story, you also terrified them. Poor judgement & irresponsible.
— Laura Roeseler (@SpeedRoeseler) January 16, 2014
https://twitter.com/SpraggsHughes/status/423915585794097152
@DLoesch @ksdknews A gentleman at our office went flying out to get to his son when his wife called. I can't imagine his anger right now.
— HouseRepEEE (@EEElverhoy) January 17, 2014
Wow @ksdknews have you never heard of the boy who cried wolf? You have set a TERRIBLY DANGEROUS precedent! I'm LIVID! http://t.co/eW41LM9IlT
— Chris Loesch (@ChrisLoesch) January 17, 2014
KSDK issued the following statement.
NewsChannel 5 recognizes the importance of safety in our schools. As part of a continuing investigation this afternoon, we visited five local schools.
One of our employees assigned to this investigative report visited Kirkwood High School. He entered and walked his way toward the office, asking a teacher for directions after a few minutes. There, he asked if he might discuss the school’s security. He identified himself by name and gave the office his phone number.
When the security official could not be reached, our employee left the premises without escort.
Approximately an hour later – after our visit – the high school was put on lock down. This lock down certainly was not the intent of our visit.
We will report this story tonight on NewsChannel 5 at 10 p.m.
NewsChannel 5 will continue to be vigilant when it comes to the safety of our schools and your children within.
INEXCUSABLE. @KSDKnews terrifies parents at STL school and refuses to explain why. Instead baits for viewers.
— Dana Loesch (@DLoesch) January 17, 2014
Tell me, @ksdknews , what kind of "journalism" was this? I have friends whose children attend THIS VERY SCHOOL who are incredibly upset.
— Dana Loesch (@DLoesch) January 17, 2014
We have enough insanity in our daily lives without some godforsaken media outlet locking down a school as an act of "journalism."
— Dana Loesch (@DLoesch) January 17, 2014
@DLoesch @ksdknews As a former TV journalist, this stunt is inexcusable. As a mother, I find it maddening. Report the news don't create it.
— Megan Mosack (@mmosack) January 17, 2014
https://twitter.com/KelleyLudbrook/status/423951620519370752
https://twitter.com/KelleyLudbrook/status/424030388588011521
As a Kirkwood parent and attorney, @ksdknews had better brace itself.
— Kirk Bowman (@kirk_bowman) January 16, 2014
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