This week, about twelve schools in the region have received threats.
On Wednesday, nearly 10 districts shared information about threats and future protocol.
Channel 11 has been tracking the threats as information is provided. Stay tuned for the latest updates as we receive them.
Some threats resulted in lockdowns, distance learning instead of in-person classes, and evacuations.
At this time, all affected districts are operating normally on Thursday. Some students will see an increased police presence as the investigation continues.
FBI Pittsburgh reminded residents Wednesday afternoon that making a threat that promotes violence is against the law. On Wednesday evening, Shaler Township police reported that an elementary school student admitted to making a threat that quickly circulated on social media and spanned multiple counties.
Check out the updates below:
Why does this happen?
Channel 11 spoke with a local retired Secret Service agent, Jeff James, now the police chief at Robert Morris University, who said there can be an increase in threats after a tragedy like the deadly shooting at Apalachee High School in Georgia last week.
“We’re just coming off a school shooting last week and that creates a sensitivity and there’s a timeliness, so any threat is 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 could have serious consequences for those responsible.
“In Pennsylvania, if you evacuate a building, the threat of a trespass automatically becomes a felony,” James said.
There are more threats targeting schools on Friday
The Armstrong School District said threats are still circulating on social media, prompting the district to beef up security on Friday.
District officials said there is no reason to believe the threats are credible.
“We will remain in close contact 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 contact your school administration,” the district said.
The Blackhawk School District also said it received a swatting threat that other districts have received. It is not credible.
Some schools are closed on Thursday, some schools are open as usual
The Butler Area School District will be closed Thursday following threats made overnight.
In a letter to parents, school principal Brian J. White, Jr. wrote that some of the threats were specifically directed at Senior High School, while others were directed at Butler in general.
Law enforcement has not yet determined whether the threats are credible or not, the letter said.
Slippery Rock Area School District also announced it will be closed Thursday as a precaution.
Young School District reported on its website that multiple anonymous tips were received Wednesday night about the same Snapchat threat against the middle school, the high school and Mendon Elementary School on Thursday morning.
According to the district, the schools were not named.
“As you may be aware, these threats are being circulated throughout several school districts in an attempt to disrupt the educational process. However, we take these threats very seriously and are working closely with state police during this investigation to ensure the safety and security of everyone,” the message to families read.
Schools in the Youth School District are open.
Some schools closed on Wednesday
Armstrong High School, Butler Area Intermediate High School and Butler Area Senior High School were all placed on lockdown on Wednesday due to threats.
>> Threat made against Armstrong High School; police and security expanded Wednesday
Students at Armstrong High School can also expect an increased police presence on Thursday.
According to the Butler Area School District, the threat they received was vague and directed at area high schools, not specific schools.
>> Butler Area Intermediate and Senior high schools under perimeter lockdown after ‘vague’ threat
Butler police have been notified and will be increasing their presence on campus.
Primary school student was behind social media threat, police say
Police have determined that an elementary school student is responsible for a threat to multiple local districts that circulated on social media Wednesday evening.
>> Shaler Area Elementary Student Responsible for Threat Against School Circulated on Snapchat
The threat named several local counties, including Armstrong, Butler, Hampton, North Hills, Pine-Richland and Sto-Rox.
According to police, a student at Shaler Area Elementary School has admitted to the threat and is considered unbelievable.
FBI issues statement
The FBI says they are aware of the threats and are working closely with law enforcement to assist in any way they can, while reminding residents that
Read the full FBI statement below:
“The FBI is aware of recent threats targeting multiple school districts in Western Pennsylvania and West Virginia. We continue to work closely with our law enforcement partners to assist as needed. This includes gathering intelligence, sharing information, pursuing leads, and working with partners to quickly and effectively identify and mitigate threats.
“Making a threat of any kind that promotes violence may be a violation of state and/or federal law. Those found responsible will be thoroughly investigated and FBI Pittsburgh will immediately reach out to our local, state and federal partners to utilize the full extent of the law.
“These threats disrupt school life, waste resources, and unnecessarily endanger emergency workers and innocent people.
“FBI Pittsburgh stands ready 24 hours a day to respond to any immediate threat to an educational institution. We encourage students, teachers, administrators, and parents to remain vigilant and immediately report any suspicious activity that may pose a threat to 911, the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI, or online at tips.fbi.gov.”
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