And in its first 24 hours, more . announced classes would not resume this week, Your California Privacy Rights / Privacy Policy. A similar message was being circulated throughout Oakland County replacing 'Troy'with the name of another district," spokeswomanKerry Birmingham said in an emailed statement. A student was in possession of a weapon at a Detroit "upper academy" for fifth through eighth graders, Worthy's office said. Michigan authorities are onalert after a report of a threat against schools nationwide circulating online declaring Friday as "American School Shooting Day.". '"This is not an unusual phenomenon. 0:00. "School threats spike exponentially after a mass shooting. The charges:Michigan school shooting suspect faces life in prison: What murder, terrorism charges mean, McDonald said at a news conference that "there is a mountain of digital evidence, videotape, social media" and that she was "confident" there was premeditation to commit the crimes "well before the incident.". "Whether these are real threats made by those intent on doing harm or pranks made by kids trying to get a day off, they are real crimes with real consequences.". Some have led to consequences. There were similar fake threats at Battle Creek Central, Harper Creek and Benton Harbor high schools. It is disrupting school communities. Two, they thinks it's a way to get out of school. Police: Bomb threats against metro Detroit Walmarts may be linked to national trend, School threats happening daily across metro Detroit, putting students, parents on edge, prosecutors sought a life sentence for Ethan Crumbley, Hazel Park High School also went into lockdown, Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. "We have had deputies and investigators working these complaints throughout the night and are still investigating them currently. With a focus on health, equity and the use of technology to empower minoritized communities, University of Michigan School of Information assistant professor Megan Threats has long been passionate about leveraging her research to make the world a better place. The first time happened the day before the shooting and the second hours before the attack. McDonald acknowledged it was "not a usual, a typical charge. Crumbley had been pulled into the principals office with his parents earlier on the day of the shooting, but faced no discipline. In Troy, the school district canceled Thursday classes after learning of a Snapchat message of a rumored threat to a school in Rochester or Troy. He faces a possible life sentence if convicted. Im confident (those making false claims) will be held accountable, he added. Wed check out 1,000 nothings to make sure we don't miss the one real, he said. In the wake of the Oxford High School shooting, questions about what goes on at school once students are dropped off have been everywhere. But at his Friday court hearing, before Oakland County Probate Referee Michael Hand, the referee authorized a misdemeanor charge against the teen: threatening to commit violence with a firearm against students or employees on school property. "It's scary and it's wrong," Bouchard said of this proliferation of phony threats. Macomb County Prosecutor Pete Lucido said "four or five" school threat cases are moving through the county's juvenile system, warrants are being sought in other cases, and still other threats are being investigated and haven't yet been submitted by police to his office. ", Contributing:Phoebe Wall Howard, John Wisely, Clara Hendrickson, Jennifer Dixon, Georgea Kovanis, Darcie Moran andJeff Seidel, Detroit Free Press; The Associated Press. Sterling Heights police say neither threat was credible, but that both were taken seriously. Shewas on the basketball and volleyball teams and loved learning how to cook, said Jennifer Curtis, who lived in her neighborhood. After the student was arrested for making the threat against Parcells Middle School, Grosse Pointe schools Superintendent Jon Dean explained that "while these threats appeared to be copycat-style threats intended to cause disruption or spark a response, in speaking to the police we felt this was the best course of action. 2:26. TikTok rumors of school violence threats put people on edge after Lucido said his office would take a "zero tolerance" approach. Southfield police Chief Elvin Barren called it a "poor decision to not only carry a weapon, but carry a weapon on school property," but said "there's no indication there was a copy-cat situation" or specific threats to the school. "In other threats, they were not credible. ", More:Arrest made in alleged threat against Grosse Pointe Woods middle school. This investigation began prior to the shooting at Oxford High School. Students hug at a memorial at Oxford High School, where authorities say a 15-year-old sophomore opened fire at the school killing four students and wounding seven other people on Tuesday. Wake up to the day's most important news. Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard said Thursday his office has been inundated with reports of threats to school districts mostly on social media. The student was taken into custody at the school and taken to the county's Juvenile Justice Center. Multiple school districts in suburban Detroit kept students at home Thursday due to threats of more violence in the wake of the tragic Oxford High School shooting that left four dead.. More than 60 local campuses canceled class due to false threats made by people who thought it'd be "funny" or wanted a day off from school, said Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard. "This is not an unusual phenomenon. It can be charged as a felony and domestic terrorism," the sheriffsaid. 14 school districts planned to close for at least one day, appeared in court onfirst-degree murder and terrorism charges, A visual timeline of deadly shooting at Oxford High School, Michigan school shooting suspect faces life in prison: What murder, terrorism charges mean, Chilling video shows Michigan students escape through window, Tate Myre, 16, Madisyn Baldwin, 17, and Hana St. Juliana, 14, and Justin Shilling, 17, Oxford High in Michigan is 28th school shooting of 2021, Your California Privacy Rights / Privacy Policy. Multiple school districts in suburban Detroit kept students at home Thursday due to threats of more violence in the wake of the tragic Oxford High School shooting that left four dead. Renee Yax of theMacomb County Sheriffs Office said Thursday the department hasreceived numerousphone calls, emailsand social media posts regarding suspicious behavior associated with school threats in the last two days. In addition to serving time in jail or prison, those found guilty of the false threat could be fined up to $50,000.00. Michigan State Police say incidents at schools are going unreported The only people who knew that there was a threat and an access to a gun did not work at that school, McDonald said during a press conference Thursday, adding she reviewed the evidence and thinks Oxford High School and their employees did the best they could with the information they had. Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard said Thursday that at least 60 Michigan schools have closed amid copycat threats following the Oxford High . Mark Zuckerberg has unveiled Threads, a clone of Twitter designed to lure people turned off by the social network's changes under owner Elon Musk. Threats and fears of violence prompted more than 100 Michigan school districts to cancel classes on Friday, three days after a shooter opened fire at a high school north of Detroit, killing four students. "The prosecutor has to believe thatjurieswill accept that gun violence is so common in our country, that school shootings are so common in our country, that the failure to safely store your gun is tantamount to rendering a potential death sentence to others if a child finds that gun," she said. The number of threats is so"completely off the charts," Bouchard said, that his staff has made a spreadsheet to track them. 0:00. For entry into a basketball game or a football game, perhaps. The shooting was planned and was not just an impulsive act, McDonald said Wednesday. "The school was properly placed on lockdown and the building was searched and cleared of any threats," Chrystal Wilson, spokeswoman for the Detroit Public Schools Community District, said. The facility is an alternative high school located on Evergreen Road south of Nine Mile Road. What happens in the next 2, 3, 4 years is going to depend on the decisions we make in the next few years, Klinger said. Whether its a joke or not, it is a crime. PORTAGE, Mich. (WOOD) A rash of fake shooting reports described by investigators as a coordinated campaign drew police to high schools around the state on Tuesday morning. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information, Heat wave bakes Southern Europe, sparking warnings to stay hydrated and indoors. For day-to-day school operations, no., "There are hundreds of windows on the ground floor," he added. Holly Area Schools also announced their schools will be closed Thursday and Friday out of an abundance of caution following multiple reports of a potential shooting threat against Holly Area Schools that have been posted on social media," District Superintendent Scott Roper and Holly Police Chief Jerry Narsh said in a joint statement. Usually, after a large incident like this we get copy cat calls for days following the incident. Video: Parents standby at Okemos church after shooting hoax. In addition to the four fatalities, the Tuesday shooting at Oxford High School left seven other people, including a teacher, seriously wounded. ", Willis said authorities also foundthe suspect's journal "detailing his desire to shoot up a school.". "That's the only way you can get the message across. News 8s David Horak, Kyle Mitchell and Anna Skog contributed to this report. A flurry of violent threats have been made against schools in southeast Michigan since the shooting on Nov. 30 that killed four students at . Authorities say they aim to investigate and prosecute pranksters, and urge anyone with information about a threat real or false to call law enforcement or use the states round-the-clock OK2SAY hotline by confidentially calling 8-555-OK2SAY (855-565-2729) or texting 652729 (OK2SAY). State police also mentioned several Walmart stores were involved in false bomb threat reports in Coldwater and Oakland County on Monday. 16:54. For an optimal experience visit our site on another browser. A 15-year-oldLake Orion High School student was charged last week with threatening to shoot up his school if he could obtain a gun, authorities said last week. MSP knows its missing numbers because of the states OK2Say tipline -- where thousands of tips about possible crimes are reported by thousands of students each year. In a statement on Twitter, TikTok said it was working with law enforcement to investigate. Lucido added. Those have to be reported to MSP within 24 hours, but the problem is, it isnt happening. As of 1 p.m. Bouchard said there were no actual physical acts of violence at any schools under investigation. By Xander Landen On 12/2/21 at 12:53 PM EST. Technology can make the threats hard to trace, but Hilson said law enforcement is highly motivated to track down whoever is responsible. Stores in White Lake Township and Rochester Hills were evacuated and searched for explosives following threats to blow up the stores unless a ransom was delivered. She has repeatedly been critical of the Crumbleys, alleging that their actions went far beyond negligence.. Police found a handgun in the student's coat pocket, officials said. It is not. Certain threats are being investigated by the schools in conjunction with local law enforcement. It is a despicable phenomenon.. MSP insist schools are still incredibly safe places to send kids and just because a school isnt reporting doesnt mean theyre not taking safety seriously. All rights reserved. So, all of it begs the question, what more can be done to prevent another crisis, another tragedy, where kids should be the safest? I have been notified that the sheriffs department is investigating the threat and that the school is taking all proper precautions, Carter said. Faculty Q&A: Megan Threats on communities and health justice "Threats of violence in our schools disrupt the classroom, tax our local law enforcement agencies and harm our students sense of safety," Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel said. School officials ended the letter stating there is no "active threat" at the school. Pontiac In the week since a shooting at Oxford High School killed four students and wounded seven people, schools in southeast Michigan have experienced a rash of social media threats . Misdemeanors in Michigan carry a maximum penalty of one year in jail. Oakland County Prosecutor Karen McDonaldindicated more charges could be coming soon for others, specifically saying they were reviewing charges against the suspect's parents. School threats should bring 'significant consequences,' Michigan superintendent says, Arrest made in alleged threat against Grosse Pointe Woods middle school, Threat made to 'shoot up' Crestwood High School in Dearborn Heights, South Lake High School in St. Clair Shores evacuated after threat, Police investigate 2 Sterling Heights school threats; girl arrested, Police arrest student, 17, for bringing gun into Southfield school, Lake Orion High student charged with threatening to shoot up school, Boy, 13, arrested after alleged threat against Waterford middle school, Your California Privacy Rights / Privacy Policy. "There was no evidence of a shooting inside the school. school in 2020 and this year due to Covid-19. Particularly, Home Depots iconic 12-foot skeleton. The Oxford Community Schools, the Oakland County district where the shooting took place, will be closed through the rest of the week, officials said in a post on the system's website. Free Press staff writer Tresa Baldas and Mark Johnson, Krystal Nurse and Sheldon Krause with the Lansing State Journal contributed to this report. "They fall into two buckets. Other systems that will be closed Thursday include Troy Schools, Rochester Community Schools, Brandon School District, Walled Lake Consolidated Schools, Lake Orion Community Schools, Clawson Public Schools, Warren Consolidated Schools, Hazel Park Schools, Avondale School District, West Bloomfield School District and Lamphere Schools. Dec. 2, 2021 6:47 PM PT. Every report is giventhe highest priority, she said. Yax asked parents to speak with theirchildren onthe importance of reporting threats immediately and the consequences of false reports or prank-type behavior. Garden City followed after a threat Wednesday. IE 11 is not supported. However, on Friday, "deputy sheriffsand additional law enforcement resources will be available at each school district to provide added security patrols," a statement said. The closures come a day after Ethan Crumbleyappeared in court onfirst-degree murder and terrorism chargesafter police say he opened fire at Oxford High with the "intent to kill." We had units on scene within about 90 seconds, and probably, I would imagine within 30 seconds after that and conferring with school officials, we were able to ascertain it was a fake prank call, Portage DPS Deputy Director Jeff VanderWiere said. We've seen this in the past. EAST GRAND RAPIDS, MI -- A small Catholic school in East Grand Rapids, serving grades kindergarten through eighth, is expected to close Aug. 10 due to declining student and staff numbers. In one of the studies or research that I had read in one community showed that every for every major incident, a young person was involved in at least five to seven minor incidents were not reported, Lt. Col. Chris Kelenske from Michigan State Polices Office of School Safety said. More:Threat made to 'shoot up' Crestwood High School in Dearborn Heights. The tragedy has reignited a debate in Lansing over whether the state needs stricter restrictions on firearms to prevent future violence. Earlier Thursday, Michigan Supt. School threats should bring 'significant consequences,' state Whether or not you had the ability to carry the threat out, really what were looking for is was a threat of violence made and whether it was true or not true, the statue doesnt require that to be the case, Muskegon County Prosecutor D.J. Many of the closures were a precautionary measure due to vague rumors circulating on social media. Over about 90 minutes, he stated his name and answered the judges questions briefly. Officers were called at about 12:30 p.m. to the Southfield Regional Academic Campus after the school's principal received a tip that the student was in possession of a weapon, according to authorities. ", Bloomfield Hills School District Superintendent Pat Watson wrote in a notice published at 11 p.m. Wednesday that its schools would be closed after BHS and other communities across the region have received numerous reports of threats of violence circulating on social media.. It's unclear whether there is any connection between the school shooting threats and bomb threats, or whether the Walmart threats are connected to a regional or nationwide campaign to target or to actually extort the retailing behemoth. The state AGs Office said it was in touch with law enforcement and would help if needed. MSP said it had heard of numerous reports of bomb threats and active shooter swatting calls to schools throughout the Fifth District, around the state & nationally. Swatting is making a fake call meant to prompt an unnecessary strong police response. In Southfield, a 17-year-old is accused of bringing a gun to school Wednesday and in Sterling Heights, a girl was arrested after making threats against Sterling Heights Stevenson High School, authorities said. But it's also difficult to remain vigilant, and focused, when many false threats are made all at once. Oakland County Prosecutor Karen McDonald reminded her constituents that making a false threat could be a felony punishable by 20 years behind bars. Portage DPS, Kalamazoo County sheriffs deputies and state police rushed there around 9:30 a.m. after a call reporting an active shooter and multiple shots fired. Renaissance High School, a public magnet high school in the city of Detroit, confirmed to the Free Press a threat was called in, but no children were at risk. Bouchard was joined Thursday afternoon by Oakland County Executive David Coulter, prosecutor Karen McDonald, area police chiefs, school superintendents and FBI officials to discuss the tidal wave of copycat threats in the wake of the Oxford shooting that killed four students and injured seven people. More than a dozen students are facing charges throughout metro Detroit, accused of making school threats and bringing guns to school, as districts throughout Michigan closed as a . Then we get the same report that is submitted to the school safety commission.. 2023 www.detroitnews.com. "Whats depicted on that video, honestly, judge, I dont have the words to describe how horrific that was,"Keast said in court. One option for transitioning very young children from climbing on the couch to climbing up a park slide is to get some indoor climbing toys for kids. Other districts said they were aware of threats and were increasing safety measures but chose not to cancel classes. Enhancing School Safety Using Behavioral Threat Assessment Oakland County Sheriff's Office Lt. Tim Willis said during the arraignment that videos were recovered from the suspect's cellphone, including a video made by him the night before the incident wherein he talked about shooting and killing students the next day at Oxford High School. The ESSN is a national group that makes a list of the states of concern for threats like school shootings or bombings based on the number of reports in the news. . The suspects have not been named. "I do not believe metal detectors are the answer as a rule for day to day school work, Ricesaid. 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Declines in enrollment and staffing force closure of Grand - mlive 0:00. "What we learned from that is there is a learning loss," Coulter said. The news briefing comes after numerous Metro Detroit school districts have canceled classes or dealt with a deluge of students seeking to leave schools amid reports of social media messages that some have interpreted as threatening similar violence. Bouchardsaid the suspect's father had purchased the 9mm Sig Sauer SP 2022 gun four days before the shooting. ", There are people that believe certain things ought to be done everywhere, Rice said. The Sheriff's office plans to ask Lucido on Tuesday to file one misdemeanor count of making an intentional threat to commit an act of violence at a school against the male student. Rice, who could play a key role in those discussions, said there's too great a prevalence of weapons, particularly among young people. Similarly, Holly Area Schools received multiple reports of a potential shooting threat on social media late Wednesday, sparking an investigation by the Holly Police Department.