FBI releases statement on school threats in West Virginia and the Ohio Valley

The FBI released a statement on Wednesday regarding the school threats in West Virginia and the Ohio Valley.

“The FBI is aware of recent threats directed toward multiple school districts across Western Pennsylvania and West Virginia. We remain in close coordination with our law enforcement partners to provide assistance where appropriate. That includes gathering intelligence, sharing information, tracking down leads, and working with partners to identify and mitigate threats quickly and effectively.

Issuing a threat of any kind promoting violence can be a violation of state and/or federal law. Those found responsible will be thoroughly investigated, and FBI Pittsburgh will immediately engage with our local, state, and federal partners to leverage the full extent of the law.

These threats disrupt school, waste resources, and put first responders and innocent people in unnecessary danger.

FBI Pittsburgh stands committed and ready to respond to any immediate threat involving any educational institution 24 hours a day. We encourage students, teachers, administrators, and parents to remain vigilant and to promptly report suspicious activities that could represent a threat to 911, to the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI, or online at tips.fbi.gov.”

7News spoke to an FBI Special Agent about the series of school threats on Monday. People say it’s surprising that there are so many threats so early in the school year. The FBI says that’s exactly when they happen.

“ Every time we go back into session, there are a flurry of school shooting threats that really have hit across Ohio and in West Virginia the last few weeks.”

Richard J. Evanchec, FBI Pittsburgh, Special Agent In Charge

Special Agent Richard Evanchec believes there are so many now because young people have a platform that gives them an opportunity.

“ The mere existence of the Internet, the ease with which our youngsters whose minds are still developing can get behind a keyboard and say something that they think isn’t very serious and have significant consequences. So I think it’s the ease, it’s the youngsters that are doing this, just don’t understand the consequences that are behind those actions.”

Richard J. Evanchec, FBI Pittsburgh, Special Agent In Charge

On Wednesday, Steven Dragisich, Prosecuting Attorney of Hancock County, West Virginia, said the juvenile responsible for a threat to Weir Middle has been charged with a felony offense.

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