Police determined a threat of a school shooting targeting McDevitt Middle School in Waltham was “non-credible” and came from a student living in the city.
Although officials found no evidence a shooting was planned or attempted, additional police patrols will be present around all Waltham schools throughout the week, Superintendent of Schools Marisa Mendonsa and Police Chief Kevin O’Connell said in a joint statement. The police patrols are largely a precautionary measure, and officers will “provide a presence,” the statement reads.
The threat, which was made on Snapchat, came from a student under 18 from Waltham, according to the statement. The student has not been identified publicly and charges are pending.
“I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to the Waltham Police Department for their round-the-clock efforts and collaboration with our schools,” Mendonsa wrote. “Their dedication and partnership have been invaluable in addressing and resolving this situation.”
On Monday, school officials barred students at McDevitt from bringing backpacks with them amid fears over the shooting threat. Mendonsa said that prohibition would be lifted on Tuesday, and additional police would be present to “ease any lingering anxiety” as students arrived.
“Thank you once again for your support and vigilance,” the statement reads. “It is through our collective efforts that we were able to address this threat swiftly and ensure the safety of our community.”
