Roughly a dozen schools across the region have received threats this week.
Wednesday, nearly 10 districts shared information about threats and protocol moving forward.
Channel 11 has been keeping track of the threats as information has been provided. Keep checking back for the latest updates as we receive them.
Some of the threats resulted in lockdowns, remote learning instead of in-person classes and evacuations.
At this time, all of the impacted districts are operating as normal on Thursday. Some students will see increased police presence as investigations continue.
FBI Pittsburgh reminded residents on Wednesday afternoon that issuing a threat promoting violence is against the law. Wednesday night, Shaler Township police said an elementary school student admitted to making a threat that circulated rapidly on social media and included multiple districts.
Watch for updates below:
Why is this happening?
Channel 11 spoke with a local retired Secret Service agent, Jeff James. He’s now the chief of police for Robert Morris University. He said there can be an uptick in threats after a tragedy, like the deadly school shooting at Apalachee High School in Georgia last week.
“We are coming off of a school shooting last week and that creates a sensitivity and there is a timeliness so every threat is going to be taken seriously, especially right after a tragedy,” James said. “School districts always err on the side of caution because that’s the way to do it because you don’t want to downplay it and then end up with a tragedy.”
James said these threats can have severe consequences for those responsible.
“In Pennsylvania, if you cause the evacuation of a building, a threat upticks from a misdemeanor automatically to a felony,” said James.
More threats target schools Friday
The Armstrong School District said threats are continuing to circulate on social media, leading it to increase security presence Friday.
Officials from the district said there is no reason to believe the threats are credible.
“We remain in close communication with local law enforcement to monitor the situation and will keep you informed of any updates. Thank you for your continued trust and support. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out to the school administration,” the district said.
The Blackhawk School District also said it received a swatting threat that other districts have also gotten. It is not credible.
Some schools closed Thursday, some scheduled as usual
The Butler Area School District will be closed Thursday after overnight threats.
In a letter to parents, superintendent Brian J. White, Jr. said some of the threats were specifically directed at the Senior High School while others generally referred to Butler.
Law enforcement has not determined whether the threats are credible or not, the letter said.
Slippery Rock Area School District also announced it will be closed Thursday out of an abundance of caution.
Yough School District posted on its website that there were multiple anonymous tips received Wednesday evening regarding the same Snapchat threat against the middle school, high school and Mendon Elementary School for Thursday morning.
The district said the schools weren’t specified by name.
“As you may be aware, these threats have been circulating across numerous school districts with an attempt to disrupt the educational process. However, we take these threats very seriously and are working closely with the state police throughout this investigation to ensure the safety and security of everyone,” the message to families said.
Schools in the Yough School District will be in session.
Some schools placed on lockdown Wednesday
Armstrong High School, Butler Area Intermediate High School and Butler Area Senior High School were all placed on lockdowns Wednesday due to threats.
>> Threat made against Armstrong High School; police, security presence increased Wednesday
Students at Armstrong High School can expect to see an increased police presence on Thursday as well.
Butler Area School District said the threat they received was vague and made to secondary schools in the region, rather than any specific schools.
>> Butler Area Intermediate, Senior high schools under perimeter lockdown after ‘vague’ threat
Butler police were notified and will have more presence at the campus.
Elementary school student was behind social media threat, police say
Police have determined an elementary school student is responsible for a threat toward multiple local districts that circulated on social media Wednesday night.
>> Shaler Area Elementary student responsible for threat against schools that circulated on Snapchat
The threat mentioned several local districts, including Armstrong, Butler, Hampton, North Hills, Pine-Richland and Sto-Rox.
Police say a Shaler Area Elementary student admitted to the threat and it has been deemed non-credible.
FBI issues statement
The FBI says they are aware of the threats and remain in close coordination with police to assist however possible, while also reminding residents
Read the full FBI statement below:
“The FBI is aware of recent threats directed toward multiple school districts across Western Pennsylvania and West Virginia. We remain in close coordination with our law enforcement partners to provide assistance where appropriate. That includes gathering intelligence, sharing information, tracking down leads, and working with partners to identify and mitigate threats quickly and effectively.
“Issuing a threat of any kind promoting violence can be a violation of state and/or federal law. Those found responsible will be thoroughly investigated, and FBI Pittsburgh will immediately engage with our local, state, and federal partners to leverage the full extent of the law.
“These threats disrupt school, waste resources, and put first responders and innocent people in unnecessary danger.
“FBI Pittsburgh stands committed and ready to respond to any immediate threat involving any educational institution 24 hours a day. We encourage students, teachers, administrators, and parents to remain vigilant and to promptly report suspicious activities that could represent a threat to 911, to the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI, or online at tips.fbi.gov.”
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