FBI investigates threats at local schools; Trinity boosts security
The Federal Bureau of Investigation Pittsburgh said it is aware of recent threats directed toward several school districts across Western Pennsylvania and West Virginia, and remains “in close coordination with our law enforcement partners to provide assistance where appropriate.”
Canon-McMillan, Chartiers-Houston and Trinity Area school districts are among districts that on Wednesday had been referenced in a screenshot of a social media post that made a threat toward an Ohio school district. The original post had been edited to include that statement “canon mac, Trinity, and Chartiers are next,” referring to the local districts.
The threat to the school districts was found not to be credible.
The school districts notified parents about the FBI investigation, and reassured them there was no credible threat.
In a letter to parents on Wednesday, Trinity Area School District Superintendent Dr. Michael Lucas said the school district was one of the districts that had been included in the post, and said that on Thursday students would have “an increased presence of police officers, administrators, and security in all of our buildings as a precaution, and to offer additional reassurance.”
The district police department includes nine police officers and a K-9 unit.
Lucas told parents the FBI was investigating the false reports, and noted similar messages have been circulating at several other school districts.
Lucas also encouraged parents to notify guidance counselors, social workers, or therapists if their children feel overwhelmed or anxious.
FBI Pittsburgh, meanwhile, said in a press release that those found responsible for the threats “will be thoroughly investigated, and FBI Pittsburgh will immediately engage with our local, state, and federal partners to leverage the full extent of the law.”
The FBI noted the threats “disrupt school, waste resources, and put first responders and innocent people in unnecessary danger. “
The FBI encouraged students, teachers, administrators, and parents “to remain vigilant” and to report suspicious activities that could represent a threat to 911, to the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI, or online at tips.fbi.gov.