BALLSTON SPA – Police are once again investigating incidents of threats against school districts across the state after many schools delayed opening, closed or went into some form of lockdown Tuesday.
Locally, the Saratoga County Sheriff’s Department received information regarding a threat against the Ballston Spa Central School District around 7:10 a.m. Tuesday. This caused students who were already arriving around the time the district received word about the threat to be sent to their first class of the day where they sheltered in place until police finished searching the middle school at 11:53 a.m. and the high school at 11:59 a.m. with K-9 units.
The threat was received by a Ballston Spa High School student on social media and indicated there would be an active shooter at the high school, according to a press release from the sheriff’s department.
Due to the threat, students finished the day on a modified schedule.
While the day eventually commenced for middle and high school students, the incident led the district to delay then close the elementary schools for the day.
The sheriff’s department, with assistance from state police, is currently investigating the incident.
“The safety of our schools is paramount and we have zero tolerance for those who make threats against them,” said Saratoga County Sheriff Michael Zurlo. “I appreciate the assistance of our partners at Ballston Spa Central Schools and their obvious concern for the well being of their students and staff.”
Several Washington County school districts and the Queensbury Union Free School District also received threats that led to either delays or school closings.
In total, the state said more than 50 school districts were affected by threats, including schools in central New York, Long Island and the Southern Tier.
“I have directed the New York State Police to investigate these threats and work closely with all levels of law enforcement to identify the perpetrators, hold them accountable, and restore the sense of safety and security our children deserve,” Gov. Kathy Hochul said in a statement.
This comes just five days after districts across the state, including Saratoga Springs City School District and Mohonasen Central School District, were subjected to similar threats.
“Since the first round of swatting incidents occurred last week, State Police has been working closely with the State Education Department, county leadership and local school boards to provide support and any necessary resources to address these incidents,” Hochul said. “My top priority will always be the safety of New Yorkers.”
U.S. Rep. Elise Stefanik, R-Saratoga, called the individuals behind the incidents “soulless criminals” who need to be held accountable.
Categories: -News-, News, Saratoga County, Saratoga Springs
