Justice urges investigations into school threats

CHARLESTON, WV (WOWK) – With more than 45 West Virginia Schools receiving alleged threats of violence in recent days, West Virginia Governor Jim Justice is directing the West Virginia Fusion Center to act as the central repository for the investigations.

The West Virginia Department of Homeland Security and local, state and federal law enforcement agencies are working to respond to and investigate all reports of possible threats to West Virginia schools. Justice says the WV DHS’s Fusion Center will work to coordinate response efforts and investigations taking place at the state level.

“We will tenaciously pursue these bad actors and anyone creating an unsafe environment for our children. I just won’t tolerate it. Not for one instant,” Justice said. “Each and every one of these threats will be investigated and all our resources are working together to protect our students, our schools, and our communities.”

Justice’s office says while threats, including swattings and hoaxes, are not uncommon early in the school year, each instance is taken very seriously. The governor says these threats are punishable by “strict disciplinary measures” including possible suspension, expulsion and legal consequences.

Some students in the Tri-State have already been arrested in connection to threats, including a 12-year-old accused of online threats against Dawson Bryant Middle School , a 16-year-old Ironton High School student accused of making a verbal threat at school, and a 12-year-old accused of making threats against Louisa Middle School .

The Mason County Prosecutor Seth Gaskins says legal action is expected against an adult male and at least one juvenile. Kanawha County Prosecutor Debra Rusnak says her office will also look into legal action once suspects in Kanawha County are identified.

“Our ongoing priority is to ensure the health, safety, and well-being of our students and communities,” said Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security Rob Cunningham. “We will continue our investigation of each event and are prepared to respond if needed. We ask the community to download our emergency response phone app and assist us in keeping our communities safe.”

Justice says a conference call with school superintendents across the state took place this morning to discuss the threats, ongoing responses, and safety measures and protocols in place in schools. The WV DHS says if any schools need additional resources, the state can provide that support and facilitate any necessary connections.

“These threats are incredibly disruptive to student learning and well-being,” said State Superintendent of Schools Michele L. Blatt. “We implore our families and communities to work with their local law enforcement agencies or school safety officers to report suspicious activities. Students deserve to attend schools where they feel safe and can learn in a productive and nurturing environment.”

“We are working with local, county, regional, state, and federal authorities to investigate and address these threats,” said Secretary of Homeland Security Mark Sorsaia. “As we fulfill our mission to protect our students, teachers, and staff and coordinate our response and investigation with local and federal authorities, we ask the public to share any and all information they may have regarding these threats.”

On Wednesday, the FBI – Pittsburgh announced they were investigating a surge of alleged threats against schools in West Virginia and in Western Pennsylvania.

People are asked to report any suspicious activities that could be a threat to 911, or contact the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI or leave an online tip . Justice’s office says people can also utilize the My Mobile Witness reporting app to report threats. It is available in the App Store or Google Play .

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