FBI Informed Darien PD Of Threatening Social Media Post, Police Say

DARIEN, CT — A brief shelter-in-place order was put into effect at Darien High School Friday after authorities learned of a threatening social media post made by a student, according to the Darien Police Department.

Darien Police Chief Jeremiah P. Marron Jr. said in an emailed update Friday night that the department received information from the FBI regarding the post, and "without hesitation, extensive resources were dispatched to and arrived on scene almost immediately at the Darien High School campus."

Police first mentioned an investigation shortly at 1:05 p.m. in a post on X.

In a coordinated decision between police, the DHS School Resource Officer, and school administration, the campus was ordered to shelter in place.

Police along with school administrators quickly identified and located the student in question and determined there was no threat to the school or community, Marron said.

"Promptly but cautiously, school operations were then directed to continue per usual," Marron added. "Darien Police personnel released the scene however extensive follow up investigation is being conducted by our Patrol Division, the Detective Division, the School Resource Officer, all in coordination with the School Security Staff and the School Administration."

Further information will not be released at this time, Marron said.

It's unclear how the FBI received information about the social media post.

The school district earlier this year launched "Anonymous Alerts," a software and app that allows the school community to anonymously submit reports and tips to school administrators on safety-related issues.

There can be one-way or two-way anonymous encrypted communications between submitters and district administration. Users can remain anonymous or reveal their identity when submitting a report.

Generally, law enforcement handles reports referencing violence, weapons, fighting or threats, and counselors handle mental health concerns and issues revolving around depression or stress, according to company founder, president and CEO, and Stamford resident, Gregory Bender, who appeared before the Darien Board of Education in July 2023.

Marron thanked both his on-duty and off-duty personnel, saying they "dropped everything and responded on their own time to ensure the safety of those potentially at risk."

"Many that you serve expect your every day commitment, but today we saw first-hand how much you care about not only what you do, but how important the people you serve are to you," Marron added. "Proud to work with you all."

He also thanked the Darien Public Schools and DHS administrations, and school security officials for their collaboration.