Police investigate social media threats at CT schools

An additional police presence was deployed at Norwalk schools on Wednesday as authorities investigated another social media threat involving a Connecticut school.

The incident was the latest in a series of threats against schools across the state that have led to evacuations, closures and extra patrols.

Norwalk police Sergeant Ryan Evarts said investigators learned of the threat Tuesday night. It was made via social media and did not mention a specific school or city, he said.

“This threat is being investigated with the highest priority as the nature of a school threat can never be ruled out without extensive investigative measures,” Evarts said. “We assure you that our investigators have been working with various agencies, including the school district, to bring this to a close in a timely manner.”

Evarts said out of an “abundance of caution” there will be increased police presence and “enhanced security measures” at Norwalk schools on Wednesday.

“We understand how stressful this can be for parents, students and all community members, so we will be as transparent as possible to put people at ease,” Evarts said. “That being said, this threat is currently under active investigation and there is no further information available at this time.”

In Bristol, Iris White, assistant superintendent of Bristol Public Schools, sent a letter to parents Wednesday morning about a concerning social media post.

“Bristol Public Schools is aware of a social media post about an indirect threat to Northeast Middle School,” she said. “We are working with Bristol Police. There is no immediate threat to NEMS at this time and there is no impact to school operations.”

Bridgeport police also said they are actively investigating recent threats against schools on Thursday.

“We are committed to ensuring that all of our students and staff are safe in our schools and will provide all necessary resources to protect our schools,” Bridgeport police said in a statement released Thursday.

“In addition, we are actively and aggressively pursuing anyone responsible for these threats.”

Anyone with information regarding the incident in Bridgeport is asked to contact the Bridgeport Police Detective Bureau.

Originally published: September 18, 2024 at 2:58 p.m.