No Credible Threat To Manchester HS, Police Say

MANCHESTER, NJ — Rumors of a "potentially violent event involving a gun" at Manchester Township High School have been determined to not be a credible threat, Manchester police said Friday morning.

Manchester Police Capt. Vincent Manco said the rumors, which prompted the closure of all of Manchester's schools Friday, said authorities "were made aware of numerous rumors, originating at the Manchester Township High School, in reference to a potentially violent event involving a gun taking place today at the High School."

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Police interviewed several students and their families and were able to determine the rumors were just rumors.

The rumors "were deemed through the investigation to be not credible," Manco said.

"The school administration and the Manchester Police Department worked together to gather all the information and speak to all individuals involved," Manco said. "Out of an abundance of caution, while the rumors were actively being investigated, the decision to close the schools was made by Superintendent Trethaway." Read more: 'Possible Threat' At Manchester HS Prompts Districtwide Closure

"We want to reiterate once again, that all information received was fully investigated and there is no credible threat of violence towards any persons or the school community," Manco said.

Manco said authorities take any kind of threat against the schools seriously.

"The safety of our community is our primary goal," he said. "We will remain vigilant with safety measures to ensure safe learning can continue throughout the district."

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