Two school districts in Massachusetts are increasing their police presence this week after “concerning” social media threats.
A threat, which was later deemed to not be credible, was made against Donald P. Timony Grammar School in Methuen Saturday, according to Police Chief Scott McNamara.
The threat was made by a student from the school on social media, police said.
The FBI and Methuen police investigated the threat, including “a thorough sweep of the school” with explosive detection K-9 teams. They also searched the child’s home and “did not find anything suspicious or cause for alarm.”
No charges have been filed but there will be extra patrols at all schools on Monday as a precaution.
“Threats made online, whether intended as a joke or a serious act, are not only alarming but are taken extremely seriously by law enforcement. Any threat directed at schools, students, staff, or the public will be thoroughly investigated, and those responsible will face significant legal consequences,” McNamara said in a statement on Facebook. “Beyond that, these threats cause undue fear and anxiety, disrupt education, and drain valuable law enforcement resources. Schools are meant to be safe spaces for learning, we will continue to do everything in our power to protect our children and our community.”
Another threat on social media was aimed at the Bridgewater-Raynham Regional School District on Saturday.
“After a thorough investigation it was determined that there were no credible threats to our schools or students,” the police department said in a statement. “Since one of our top priorities is the safety of our children and schools in Raynham, there will be an increased police presence at our schools this week.”
The threats come less than a week after four people were killed at a high school in Winder, Georgia.
