Bridgeport Closes Schools After Social Media Threats: UPDATE

BRIDGEPORT, CT — With more school threats surfacing online on Thursday, Bridgeport Public Schools is sending students home early, and closing schools on Friday, officials announced.

"Out of an abundance of caution due to additional threats circulating online, today, September 19, there will be an early dismissal. Tomorrow, September 20, all schools will be closed," officials wrote on Facebook.

A juvenile student from Bridgeport was arrested Wednesday night after police said the student made a threat on social media against local schools.

Bridgeport police were made aware of the threat on Wednesday, and the arrest was made just before 11 p.m., according to Tiadora Josef, the city's Director of Public Information.

"The Bridgeport Police Department would like to ensure our community that the safety of our students and staff is a priority and that there will be a strong police presence at our schools," authorities wrote in a statement. "We would like to thank our patrol division, Detective Bureau, and our federal partners for working together on this case."

Details of the threat were not disclosed, but police increased patrols at Bridgeport schools on Thursday. Additionally, schools opened on a two-hour delay, before eventually closing early.

In recent days, a Westport student was arrested after police said the student posted a threat against Staple High School on social media, and Fairfield Public Schools also increased its police presence at schools on Thursday.

Bridgeport Public Schools released the following statement about the Wednesday incident:

Bridgeport Public Schools has been made aware of a viral social media message threatening to harm several schools in the district [on Thursday]. The safety and well-being of our students and staff are our top priorities. In response to this threat, we are taking immediate and comprehensive measures to ensure the security of our school community.

We are working closely with local and federal law enforcement agencies to investigate the threat and implement necessary precautions. The following steps are being taken:

• Two-Hour Delay: All schools in the district will start two hours later than the usual start time.
• Increased Security Presence: There will be an increased presence of law enforcement officers at all schools starting tomorrow morning.
• Communication Protocols: We will keep parents and staff updated with any new information as it becomes available. It is essential that contact information is up-to-date.
• Emergency Procedures: Parents are encouraged to review emergency procedures with their children to ensure familiarity with lockdown protocols.
• No Visitors: No visitors will be allowed on any school campuses.
• No Outdoor Activities: Outdoor recess and other activities will not be permitted.
• Adherence to Safety Measures: All safety protocols must be strictly followed.

Superintendent Carmela Levy-David said, "We understand that this situation may cause anxiety and concern among our community. We encourage everyone to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities immediately to school administration or local authorities. Your cooperation and support are crucial in ensuring the safety of our school community."

Bridgeport Public Schools is committed to maintaining a safe and secure environment for all students and staff. We appreciate the community's understanding and cooperation during this time.