NEWBURYPORT — Police Lt. Matt Simons reports that the Newburyport Police Department investigated a possible threat against Nock Middle School that was made via Snapchat, and the department has determined the threat was not credible.
On Monday, Sept. 16, at approximately 7:30 p.m., it was reported to Newburyport Police that there was a threat made over Snapchat regarding a student bringing a gun to school. The police department and the schools take any report of this type extremely seriously and the police department immediately started an investigation.
Newburyport Police investigators worked diligently and tirelessly, using resources from the Massachusetts State Police Fusion Center and the FBI. Based on the investigation, police were able to determine the source of the threat communicated on Snapchat was not a student in the Newburyport School system.
Investigators were also able to determine that there was no credibility or means to commit the threat that was communicated.
The police department and the school department were in constant contact throughout the investigation. The reported threat and investigation happened outside of school hours and at no time was there any danger to students or staff.
The Newburyport Police Department understands that these types of reports are concerning and unsettling. Police were present in and around the schools this morning, as they will continue to be every day. This incident remains under investigation by the Newburyport Police Department.
It is important for the community to continue working together to provide the safest environment possible for our children. The department commends the courage of the individual who came forward and reported the threat to police. Parents should be vigilant about talking with their children about social media and the importance of reporting anything alarming, whether it occurs online or in person.
“I am extremely grateful for the diligence and expediency of our investigators in determining the source of this threat,” said Lt. Simons. “The safety of our schools remains a paramount priority and our presence in the schools will be commonplace each day throughout the year.”
