Police Chief: No Current Credible Threat To Nashua Schools
NASHUA, N.H. (CBS) -- Officials said there was no current credible threat to Nashua schools after an emailed threat of violence led them to close those schools Monday.
Nashua Schools Superintendent Mark Conrad said all seventeen schools in the district would be open Tuesday with an increased police presence.
Conrad said the last time a threat caused the district to close a school was nearly a decade ago. Though officials haven't discussed the exact content of the threat, which is the subject of an ongoing investigation, Conrad said it was the specificity of the threat that led to the decision to close.
"It identified both of our high schools by name, it stated that the action would take place today, and it gave the means by which harm would be done to students," said Conrad.
Nashua chief says we can say with confidence there is no current credible threat against Nashua schools. #WBZ pic.twitter.com/JKksxfaAFc
— Louisa Moller (@LouisaMoller) December 21, 2015
Police say the threat, emailed to a school administrator, singled out students and staff at the city's two high schools. The Nashua School District, serving 11,000 students, were closed as a result. Parents were alerted to the closure through the district's phone alert system.
"Obviously we're stepping up patrols around our schools, making sure we have officer presence there for the next 24 to 48 hours," said Nashua Police Captain David Bailey.
Bailey said they're working with other agencies to investigate the threat.
"We had some assistance with State Police and ATF, because they had some dogs that were able to help us with a sweep of both high schools last night," said Bailey.
The FBI also told WBZ they are aware of the threat and assisting the Nashua Police Department.
Conrad said the decision to close all 17 schools was tough--he knew some parents would be upset that he did it, but that others would be upset if he didn't.
"We felt by being conservative, we're hoping it will be reassuring to parents when we say we are reopening our schools, that they'll trust they'll be safe, too," said Conrad.
In nearby Tyngsborough, across the border in Massachusetts, police and schools received calls from concerned parents regarding the Nashua closings. Superintendent Don Ciampa said the concern would not affect the Tyngsborough School District.
"The threat in Nashua was a specific threat towards their high schools," said Ciampa. "I appreciate the concern that we all share as a community, however, the Tyngsborough Public Schools will operate uninterrupted today and going forward."
Tyngsborough Police Chief Richard Howe said additional officers will be present in Tyngsborough schools for the rest of the week.
"I spoke with Superintendent Ciampa on Sunday and again this morning," said Howe. "The Tyngsborough Police Department is already active in the schools and will remain so."