By CRAIG FREILICH

CANTON -- Heightened security is in place at SUNY Canton this morning as authorities investigate a threat to kill people there that was posted through a social media app.

University police are “stationed in highly visible locations” around campus, according to college spokesman Greg Kie.

But he emphasized that while the threat is being taken seriously, there is no evidence that the threat is genuine.

Kie said that classes are in session on campus this morning.

At least one parent of a student was desperate for information on the threat, as her son is a student there.

"Just because it's in the country doesn't mean these things don't happen. Parents are worried and do not have any info, the kids don't know if they should go to class," the parent wrote to NorthCountryNow.com.

Authorities were put on alert after a message was posted on Yik Yak by someone claiming to plan on killing him or herself and threatening the lives of others on campus.

The message that was sent early today reads as it appears below:

“This is a message to all SUNYCanton students, if you valve your life do not go to class tomorrow,I plan on killing myself but before that I plan taking as many of you worthless piles of crap, be ready”

YikYak is an anonymous social media site using geography as an attraction. It is set up to give messaging preference to people nearby. It is said to be very popular with college students.

Anonymous threats are common on Yik Yak, according to news reports around the country dating back to the spring at least, including in the Washington Post and USA Today.

In a message to staff and students this morning, college president Zvi Szafran said there is no credible evidence of substance to the threat, and that police are working with YikYak to identify the person who sent the message.

“We recognize the concern about the recent threat that came over the anonymous social media site, YikYak. There is no evidence at this point that the threat is either credible or imminent. SUNY Canton will be holding classes and activities as scheduled,” said Szafran in his email message.

Kie said there is no evidence so far that the sender is from SUNY Canton or that is from a student at all.

Anyone who might have relevant information is encouraged to report it to University Police at 386-7777 or police@canton.edu.

See our earlier story here.