Anonymous threats are causing an increased police presence at Delaware schools Thursday.
Newark Police said it increased security at schools in their city as they investigate the validity of the threat. They have also been in contact with the Christina School District.
Delaware State Police also tweeted they were investigating threats made to multiple schools.
“There have been no safety concerns identified at this time,” their tweet said. “DSP is actively working with the schools as they initiate protocols to ensure the safety of all students and staff.”
Are the threats happening nationwide?
Delaware State Police said they are working to find out if this is something that extends beyond Delaware.
Multiple Colorado schools were temporarily placed under a secure status on Wednesday after reports of threats, according to The Denver Post. In Colorado, secure status is different from a full lockdown as doors are unlocked for police investigation and classes resume inside secured classrooms.
Several St. Louis County, Minnesota, schools also received swatting threats on Tuesday, according to WDIO.com — a television station in Duluth, Minnesota. The St. Louis County Sheriff’s office said the calls also went to several media outlets, as well as some police departments directly.
What we know about threats around Delaware
Wilmington Police said they are at The Bancroft School, located in the 700 block of Lombard St., investigating a threat of violence. While investigators determined the threat to be unfounded, officers will remain at the school throughout the day.
State Police said officers are at multiple schools throughout the state conducting patrols to ensure everyone’s safety. They added that no threat has been identified and they are working with the state Department of Education to gather more information.
This is a developing story. Check back with delawareonline.com for more information.
Contact Esteban Parra at (302) 324-2299, eparra@delawareonline.com or Twitter @eparra3.
