Threats Of Violence Made Against Howard County Public Schools

HOWARD COUNTY, MD — Schools in Howard County have received threats of violence on social media and via email through compromised student Canvas accounts this week.

According to the Howard County Public School System, these bomb threats also are being directed at public school systems and higher education institutions across the state.

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The school system also said that the culprits used Canvas to send threats to a large number of students and also used discriminatory language.

School officials do not believe the district's systems and platforms, including Canvas, were hacked. But a few student accounts were comprised and they were immediately suspended, then students were directed to reset their passwords, the school system stated.

"Thus far, these threats have been found to be non-credible and seemingly originating overseas. That being said, HCPSS takes all threats seriously, and responds to any threat with the appropriate level of urgency. HCPSS continues to work closely with law enforcement partners to investigate all threats made against HCPSS students, staff and/or facilities," the school district stated.

Parents and guardians are asked by school officials to talk with their students that sharing threats with each other or posting them on social media would hinder law enforcement investigations and "cause undue fear."

The Howard County Police Department has determined the threats are not credible.

Anyone who receives or sees a threat should report it immediately by calling 911. Anonymous tips can be shared with the Howard County Police Department by calling 410-313-STOP or emailing hcpdcrimetips@howardcountymd.gov.