Widely shared online threats over the weekend have Abbotsford police and school officials advising students and their families not to be worried. Read More
Families across Abbotsford received threats about bombs and school shootings that were investigated by police and determined to be a hoax
Families across Abbotsford received threats about bombs and school shootings that were investigated by police and determined to be a hoax
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Widely shared online threats over the weekend have Abbotsford police and school officials advising students and their families not to be worried.
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“We are aware (that) a serious online threat was made against schools in our district,” Abbotsford school administrators posted on Facebook early Monday morning. “We take any such threat with the utmost seriousness and immediately involved the Abbotsford Police Department.”
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The messages circulated among students on Sunday warned of bombs being planted in and around schools and of a school shooter armed with a semi-automatic rifle.
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Though they understandably sparked fear and uncertainty, police say every specific threat was investigated and determined to be a hoax.
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The school district said police have “found no evidence to suggest the threat is credible. Based on their review, we are confident that there is no known risk to our schools, students or staff.”
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Several schools sent letters to parents saying they had nothing to fear.
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“Last evening, the Abbotsford Police Department became aware of an email and social media posts circulating among parents and the community, claiming that acts of violence will occur (Monday) targeting various schools in Abbotsford,” read a letter to parents from one school in the district.
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“Over the weekend, AbbyPD responded to numerous ‘swatting’ calls across the city, which falsely claimed that violence was occurring, and people were in danger. Each call was assessed and responded to by AbbyPD, and all were determined to be false.”
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The police department is “taking today’s claimed threat of violence seriously and is currently investigating the origin of the messages,” said spokesman Sgt. Paul Walker in a news release and in letters sent to parents.
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“Currently, there is no information to suggest that this threat is real, and investigators believe this incident is yet another swatting attempt.”
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Both the district and police said they are committed to the safety of students and the community, and said they would share any new information as it becomes available.
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