Nearby Threat Leads To Increased Police Presence At Fairfield Schools

FAIRFIELD, CT — Fairfield police have increased patrols at schools throughout town on Thursday, following an investigation into a reposted threat made on social media involving a nearby school district.

"The Fairfield Police Department was made aware late [Wednesday] night of a threat against schools in a neighboring community that had been reposted on social media, raising concern within our own town," wrote Sgt. Michael Stahl in a statement. "In response, our officers immediately launched an investigation and, after working throughout the night with other law enforcement agencies, determined that this was a reposting of an original threat from a neighboring community. The original threat had already been thoroughly investigated, and an arrest was made. There is no direct or credible threat to Fairfield schools at this time."

Stahl did not elaborate on which community is dealing with the threat, but in recent days, Westport Public Schools received a threat made on social media involving Staples High School, which led to the arrest of a juvenile student.

Additionally, a juvenile student from Bridgeport was arrested Wednesday night, following a threat made on social media, according to authorities.

"Out of an abundance of caution, there will be an increased police presence at all Fairfield schools [Thursday] to ensure the continued safety of students and staff," Stahl wrote, adding that the school district was "promptly notified of the investigation, and earlier [Thursday], the district issued a statement to address concerns and reassure the school community of their safety."

Patch received a copy of the referenced statement, which is posted below.

Stahl said that the police department works closely with the public and private schools in Fairfield, ensuring strong collaboration to safeguard students and staff.

"Our School Safety Division and Investigative Division thoroughly investigate any threats, and we rely on our close partnerships with local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies to continually ensure the safety of our community," he said.

"We appreciate and encourage our community’s vigilance in reporting any threats or safety concerns to the police," Stahl continued. "Your quick action helps us address these situations swiftly and effectively. However, we ask that you refrain from reposting or sharing these threats on social media. While well-intentioned, continued sharing of these messages can lead to amplifying unnecessary fear and concern, increasing stress across the community. It is important that we work together to stay informed without spreading unverified information.

"We understand that situations like this can cause anxiety for parents, students, and staff, and we are taking every measure to ensure the safety and security of our community. Should you have any additional concerns or encounter suspicious activity, please dial 911 in an emergency, or report to our non-emergency line at 203-254-4800. Anonymous tips can be submitted via the Fairfield PD mobile app or by texting the keyword FPDCT plus your message to 847411 (Tip411). Tips can also be submitted online at fpdct.com/tips.

"We thank you for your cooperation and support. Should there be any further developments, we will provide timely updates."

Statement to the Fairfield school community made by Superintendent Michael Testani Thursday morning:

Dear Fairfield Staff & Families,

I am writing to inform you about a situation that was reported in a neighboring district. Late last night, we became aware of threats made against schools in a nearby school district that were reposted on social media, causing concern for our Fairfield community.

The Fairfield Police Department has been working tirelessly overnight to investigate these threats. After a thorough investigation, they have determined that these threats are a reposting of the original threat in the neighboring district. I want to reassure you that all of our schools are safe for students and staff today.

The safety of our students and staff is always our top priority, and we take all threats seriously. We appreciate the quick response and hard work of our local law enforcement in addressing this issue, and we will continue to be vigilant in ensuring the security of our schools. Out of an abundance of caution, there will be an increased police presence at all our schools today.

Sincerely,

Michael J. Testani
Superintendent of Schools