Threat Leads To Police Presence At Wallingford Schools

WALLINGFORD, CT — Police have an increased presence at three schools on the east side of Wallingford after a threatening message was posted on social media Tuesday. Police were notified just before 7 p.m. by a parent of a Wallingford student who saw an anonymous Snapchat post earlier in the day that contained a map of an east part of Wallingford along with a threat in white text letters, according to Lt. Cheryl Bradley.

“The threat was not directed at a specific person, group, business or school,” Bradley said. “Based on the fact that three schools are located within the area of the map, Wallingford Police have an increased presence at the schools.”

Superintendent of Schools Dr. Salvatore Menzo said the threat was posted at 1 p.m. on Tuesday and the map included Stevens Elementary School, Dag Hammarskjöld Middle School, and Lyman Hall High School with the statement “I am going to murder someone.”

“While we know this is very concerning, the Wallingford Police Department does not see this as a credible threat,” Menzo said in an email to parents. “However, out of an abundance of caution, there will be police presence at all three schools today. Again, the Wallingford Police Department does not believe there is an actual threat, but we do want to have the officers visible to provide a greater sense of security for students and staff.”

Menzo also encouraged parents to speak with their children about such posts.

“The district has and will always to take these threats seriously,” he said. “We also will continue to discipline those found responsible to the highest extent we can.”

Bradley said police are continuing to investigate the threat.