Local law enforcement agencies are investigating after online threats of violence against Elmira schools were posted on social media.
Those threats have also involved schools in other counties, according to Chemung County Sheriff Bill Schrom.
Shortly before midnight Sunday, possible threats were posted to Snapchat, according to a notice Superintendent Hillary Austin sent to families in the Elmira City School District.
School officials immediately notified law enforcement agencies of the threats, Austin said.
“Law enforcement has reported to the district that there is no evidence to suggest that these are credible threats but they continue to investigate all posts that have been shared with us,” she wrote in the notice.
In the meantime, students and others will likely notice an increased police presence around Elmira schools for the next few days.
“The Elmira Police Department has stepped up patrols and targeted enforcements around the schools,” Elmira Police Chief Kristin Thorne said. “We will work with the (Chemung County) Sheriffs Office to make our presence as visible as possible in these areas.”
Schrom said the threats, which he said spread to other schools in Chemung, Tompkins and Broome counties, do not appear to be credible.
Public safety Elmira police arrest suspect in Sept. 12 Southside shooting that injured two people
“The reports from Chemung County have been thoroughly investigated by the Chemung County Sheriff’s Office throughout the night and all day and determined to be noncredible threats,” Schrom said. “It appears these incidents may also be related to a ‘swatting hoax’ circulating across local counties, as well as nationwide.”
Austin said the school district will continue to work with police, and also asked parents and students to remain vigilant and to be careful about spreading unverified information.
“We ask that you not share rumors or hearsay on social media but rather immediately contact police or your school principal if you have questions, concerns, and/or information,” she wrote. “This will ensure an effective and streamlined investigation. Law enforcement will remain vigilant if any further information is discovered.”
Follow Jeff Murray on Twitter @SGJeffMurray. To get unlimited access to the latest news, please subscribe or activate your digital account today.
This article originally appeared on Elmira Star-Gazette: Elmira schools on alert after online threats of violence
Source Agencies
