CHICAGO � A Chicago firefighter is facing gun violations after his 14-year-old daughter posted a photo of herself with an assault-style rifle and the message, "Don't worry, I won't shoot up Lane (Tech High School)."
The 60-year-old firefighter was issued two citations: failure to properly secure a weapon from a minor and possession of an assault rifle in the city, where such weapons are banned. The Tribune is not naming the firefighter to protect the identity of his daughter who was not charged.
Police were contacted by security at Lane Tech after the girl posted the photo on Snapchat. At first, officials believed the rifle, with a bayonet, was fake. But they went to the firefighter's home and found a Sendra model assault-style rifle.
No credible threat was found, according to Chicago Public Schools spokeswoman Emily Bolton, who added the school did not go on lockdown.
It was not clear exactly when the girl posted the picture and message, but Bolton shared a letter that was sent out to parents on Wednesday about the incident.
"Earlier this afternoon, we were notified of a social media posting resembling a potential threat to our school," it read. "Please note that the posting did not contain an explicit threat. The Chicago Police Department and CPS Office of Safety and Security were immediately notified to investigate this situation. Upon completion of their assessment, CPD deemed that there was no threat to the school and at no time was there ever any safety risk to students or staff."
Chicago Fire Department spokesman Larry Langford could not provide further details.
