In a counter-terrorism action, a 13-year-old boy and a 13-year-old girl are in detention in connection with alleged threats of gun violence at Montgomery Public Schools. An 11-year-old girl was imprisoned and charged with making terroristic threats before being discharged to a guardian, expressed Montgomery police Maj. Saba Coleman. The male teen was charged by the Montgomery Police Department’s Special Operations Unit and the FBI’s Safe Streets Task Force, expressed Coleman.
Montgomery Public School and city school officials stated they were aware of social media posts indicating potential threats.
“We take these matters very seriously and have started all safety protocols, including working with local law enforcement to determine those involved and take appropriate action,’’
the statement said.
“Schools will continue to operate on their regular schedules, with our priority being the safety of students and staff. We respect the community’s prompt reporting of this issue to both local authorities and the school system.”
Coleman stated upon learning of the social media posts – which contained threats to Bellingrath Middle School and McKee Middle School– an investigation was immediately undertaken. The young teens are apprehended with terrorist threats. They are being held in the Montgomery County Youth Detention Facility.
“Threats of gun violence in our school system, whether online or in person, are ministered with utmost seriousness by MPD,’’
stated Interim Police Chief James N. Graboys.
“Our detectives worked diligently and closely with the Montgomery Public School System and local and federal partners to recognise and apprehend the individuals responsible for these dangers. The Montgomery Police Department desires to reassure the community that the safety and security of our schools and students is our top priority,’’
Graboys stated.
“We will continue operating tirelessly to prevent and address potential dangers to our educational institutions. We thank the public for their attention and cooperation in helping us preserve a safe learning environment for all”
he said.
At a news conference with law enforcement and education officials, Montgomery Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Melvin Brown encouraged students to reread the district’s student handbook and student code of behaviour in the wake of the threats.
“As mentioned, social media is a strong tool but also a dangerous place to make dangerous decisions – bad decisions,” he stated. “It’s crucial that pupils understand the impacts of their online behaviour and stick to the school district’s social media policy.”
Alleged school shooting threats were also being examined in Elmore, Autauga and Etowah counties. Prattville police stated they were aware of threats but stated they did not believe they were credible.
“We are conscious of many, many screenshots floating around and ae taking our kid’s protection as priority #1 today,’’
according to a Prattville police department statement administered.
“That being stated, any further posts being made that are attempting to circumvent the safety measures by threatening further violent acts to our kids will not be tolerated and posters will be investigated and prosecuted.”
