Oct. 1 – “Dozens” of students charged in a wave of online threats issued to several West Virginia schools last month are now facing consequences that go far beyond a visit to the principal’s office.
That’s the word from Rob Cunningham, the deputy secretary of the Department of Homeland Security.
“To date, dozens of West Virginia children involved in the recent threats have been arrested,” Cunningham said in a video message posted last Friday as part of his regular reporting on school safety issues in the state.
“These young people could be expelled from school and face the penalty of incarceration – a very real possibility,” the Cabinet Secretary said.
Morgantown High and Preston High were among about 50 schools in the Mountain State to land on a hit list distributed via Snapchat.
Schools in neighboring Pennsylvania and Virginia also received the threatened overtures.
An FBI field office in Pittsburgh became involved, promising a full investigation and full accountability for all perpetrators involved.
“Those responsible will be thoroughly investigated,” the agency said.
“FBI Pittsburgh will immediately work with our local, state and federal partners to utilize the full scope of the law.”
Prosecutors are also already prepared to begin their work “vigorously,” Cunningham said.
But that’s in court, he said.
The real work, he emphasizes, takes place at the kitchen table.
Prevention is better than prosecution every time, said Cunningham, a former West Virginia state trooper who also worked as an FBI agent before taking his supervisory post.
After all, it is known that threats can turn into deadly acts, he said.
Therefore, the safety officer refers mothers, fathers and other caregivers to ParentGuidance.org.
The online platform offers free sessions with licensed behavioral health therapists and coaches 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
