Nashua Schools Closed After Threat

NASHUA, NH — Nashua police said someone made a threat against both Nashua high schools Sunday.

Police said it was a “specific threat of violence” but did not elaborate.

• Subscribe to Nashua news alerts
• Nashua Patch on Facebook
• Next: Nashua Fire Injures 2, Displaces 13

Officials decided to cancel Monday classes at all city public schools as a precaution.

The FBI is involved in the investigation.

Nashua police released this statement:

On December 20, 2015 the Nashua Police Department received notification from the Nashua School District of a specific threat of violence directed towards both Nashua Public High Schools. The Nashua Police Department is currently working closely with the Nashua School District Administration as well as several state and federal law enforcement agencies to determine the credibility of the threat. At this time the investigation remains open and ongoing.

Nashua schools Superintendent Mark Conrad issued this statement:

“We have received a detailed threat of violence to harm students and staff at both high schools. The threat is specific to tomorrow (Monday). We have been working closely with the Nashua Police Department, which is still working at this time (Sunday) to determine the credibility of the threat.

“Because the threat is specific and extends to several schools, we will be cautious and close all of our public schools in Nashua tomorrow, Monday, December 21st. I do expect our schools to reopen on Tuesday. I regret any difficulties this creates for working parents but safety must remain our first priority. Thank you.”

Gov. Maggie Hassan issued a statement Sunday night:

“Public safety is any government’s most important responsibility—especially at our schools—and we are closely monitoring the situation in Nashua. I have been in contact with Mayor Lozeau and the emergency operations center, and the State Police and state emergency management officials are working closely with the Nashua Police Department, local public safety officials and the FBI. We will continue to monitor the situation and work together at the state, local and federal levels to investigate the threat and keep our communities safe.”

And state Homeland Security officials said:

Homeland Security and Emergency Management and the State Information and Analysis Center along with other state agencies and the FBI are assisting Nashua Police and local public safety officials with the ongoing investigation into the threat against Nashua’s schools and to ensure the safety of the Nashua community and the State. There is no threat to businesses in Nashua nor to schools or businesses elsewhere in the State.‪

On Tuesday, there was another threat directed at the Concord school district. Last month, a threat was also directed at the Pembroke school district.

Photo: Nashua North High School. (Credit: Nashua schools)