‘Concerning’ Phone Call Led To Lockdown At Montclair High School, Official Says

MONTCLAIR, NJ — There is no active threat after a “concerning phone call” led to a lockdown at Montclair High School on Monday, authorities say.

According to superintendent Ruth Turner, the call came from an unknown person and number. While Turner didn’t specify what the call was about, she said it was not confirmed to be a bomb threat.

“Out of an abundance of caution, and in accordance with guidance from the Montclair Police Department, the school implemented safety protocols, including a shelter-in-place followed by a lockdown,” the superintendent said.

“At this time there is no confirmed active threat to our school facilities or our students,” Turner said Monday night.

Several other districts in the region got a similar call on Monday, she noted.

“Currently, authorities are working to determine whether those incidents are connected,” Turner said.

According to the superintendent, Montclair police responded immediately and worked closely with school administrators. The New Jersey State Police, the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office, district security and local law enforcement partners were all notified and engaged as part of the standard safety protocol.

“The safety and well-being of our students and staff remains our highest priority,” Turner said. “We are grateful to our school administrators, staff members, and law enforcement partners for their quick and coordinated response in following established safety procedures.”

“We will continue to cooperate with law enforcement as they investigate this matter and will share additional information with our community if it becomes available,” she added.

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