School Department Reports Online Threat, Police Deem Not Credible

Keith Thibault November 24, 2021 Comments Off on School Department Reports Online Threat, Police Deem Not Credible

Fall River public schools were put on heightened alert today following an online threat brought to the attention of Superintendent Maria Pontes. Increased safety checks were reported today at city schools.

Here is the information on the incident released today by the Fall River Public Schools:

Fall River, MA. (November 24, 2021) – Interim Superintendent, Maria Pontes was notified late last night that a student shared a screenshot of a threatening post and that this post was circulating on Instagram. The Fall River Police Department was contacted immediately and they launched an investigation. The post and the page where the post was located were immediately taken down. We learned that the posting was made outside of Massachusetts and The Fall River Police Department deemed that it was not a credible threat and therefore did not warrant the closure of school. Out of an abundance of caution, we will continue with our increased police presence and will be conducting morning safety checks on random days.

This investigation is ongoing. If the post is traced back to a Fall River Public Schools student, that individual will be criminally charged and face disciplinary action in accordance with the Fall River Public Schools Code of Conduct.

The safety of our students and staff continues to be our priority. We will continue to collaborate with our partners, The Fall River Police Department, as issues of this nature come up and respond in a way that balances public safety with your child’s educational needs. We thank you all for your continued support.

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