Crime & Safety

Social Media Threat Causes Lockdown At Church, School In Union County

The church and adjoining school were placed into lockdown as police investigated on Tuesday.

CLARK, NJ — A social media threat caused a lockdown at a church and adjoining school in Clark on Tuesday.

Shortly after 2 p.m., Clark Police got a report of an unsubstantiated Facebook post directed at St. John's Church/Rectory and the Catholic Archdiocese in Clark.

The school and church were placed into lockdown as Clark Police Officers searched inside and outside the building.

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Once the search was completed, students and faculty were dismissed for the day.

"The post did not target St. John's The Apostle School or students," said Clark Police.

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Although the church and school are housed together, the rectory is in Linden, prompting an investigation by Linden Police.

"Again, no threat to students or school facilities has been identified," said Clark Police. "The safety of our students and faculty remains our highest priority."

The Linden Police Department is conducting an investigation. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Linden Police Department at 908-474-8500.

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