New Jersey Schools Closed Temporarily After Threats

New Jersey school districts were closed on Monday following social media threats but have since reopened as investigations continue.

At a Glance

Woodbury City Public Schools and Deptford Township School District reopened after closing due to threats.
Four juveniles, aged 12 to 15, were arrested in connection with the threats.
The threats targeted schools in multiple towns including Woodbury and Glassboro.
Despite being deemed not credible, schools closed out of caution, increasing police presence.

Multiple School Closures Due to Social Media Threats

New Jersey school districts found themselves taking precautionary measures after social media threats led to the closure of schools in Woodbury, Deptford Township, and several other areas on Monday. The action was taken despite the threats being deemed not credible as a precautionary measure to ensure the safety of students and staff.

Four juveniles aged 12 to 15 were arrested in connection with these threats. Investigations revealed that multiple threats were issued targeting school districts including Woodbury Junior-Senior High School, Bowe Middle School, and others in the region. Thomas E. Bowe Middle School in Glassboro was specifically threatened via Instagram, sparking concern among authorities and parents alike.

Multiple schools in Camden and Gloucester counties were closed Monday in the wake of shooting threats that were posted to social media. https://t.co/G4EA8boS0V

— NJ Spotlight News (@NJSpotlightNews) September 9, 2024

Community and Police Response

The Deptford Township School District plans to hold assemblies with local police to educate students on the repercussions of making threats and using digital communication responsibly. To further ensure safety, each school in the district is staffed with an armed security officer who has extensive police experience.

The increase in police presence and the holding of all activities indoors are part of the measures taken by Deptford Township School District. Authorities acted promptly, working alongside community members who assisted in identifying the suspects. The quick arrests of juveniles from Woodbury, Glassboro, and Mullica Hill demonstrated the efficiency and seriousness with which law enforcement handled the situation.

A Climate of Tension

The incident follows a recent tragic school shooting in Apalachee High School in Georgia, where two students and two teachers were killed, further heightening anxiety and awareness around school safety. The suspect in the Georgia shooting, Colt Gray, had previously been interviewed by police for making online threats. This connection underscores the significant and necessary role of vigilance and prompt reporting of threats to law enforcement.

While no new credible threats remain following the recent scare, both parents and school officials continue to emphasize the importance of discussing school safety and the responsible use of social media with children. Woodbury School Superintendent Andrew Bell noted the school’s commitment to maintaining a secure environment, affirming that “school safety remains our top priority.”