Threat Made To Montclair School Staffer, District Closed (UPDATED)

This article was updated at 11 a.m. on Jan. 13

MONTCLAIR, NJ -- Public schools were closed in Montclair on Monday after a 45-year-old staff member on administrative leave allegedly made a threat against a fellow employee on social media, authorities said.

The Montclair Public School District released the following initial statement about the closures:

"All schools in the Montclair School District will be closed today, Monday, January 13, 2025, due to a security concern. Late yesterday evening, we were made aware of a potential threat to our district. Upon receiving this information, we immediately contacted the Montclair Police Department and have been closely following their guidance."

"I understand that this last-minute closure may cause inconvenience, but the safety of our students, staff, and entire school community is our highest priority," interim superintendent Damen Cooper said.

"At this time, I am unable to share specific details regarding the nature of the threat. However, please know that we are working collaboratively with law enforcement to monitor the situation and ensure the security of our schools," Cooper said.

"We will provide you with updates as soon as additional information becomes available," Cooper added. "Thank you for your understanding and support during this time."

Cooper issued an update about the situation on Monday morning. It read:

"I want to inform you that, through the diligent efforts and collaboration with the Montclair Police Department, the threat we were addressing has been neutralized. I understand that this situation may have caused anxiety and disruption for our entire school community. Please know that every step taken was guided by our unwavering commitment to the safety and well-being of our students, staff, and families."

"Your safety remains my highest priority," the superintendent said. "Thank you for your patience, understanding and support throughout this time."

POLICE UPDATE: ARREST, CHARGES

The Essex County Prosecutor's Office said police are investigating the incident. There is no immediate threat to the district or its schools, authorities said.

The Montclair Police Department has released a statement about Monday's school closures:

"On January 12, the Montclair Police Department received information regarding a potential threat to the safety of staff members and students in the Montclair School District. Preliminary investigation revealed the threat was made online via social media and was directed at a specific staff member at the Northeast Elementary School (603 Grove Street, Montclair). The Montclair Police Department immediately initiated an investigation into the matter. The MPD, in collaboration with the Montclair Board of Education, The Essex County Prosecutors Office, and the FBI, worked throughout the night to identify the source of the threat. As a precautionary measure, The Montclair Board of Education made the decision to close all schools in the Montclair School District today, Monday, January 13."

As a result of the investigation, the suspect was identified as Amir Doctry, 45, a staff member currently on administrative leave from the district.

Doctry was arrested at a home in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania around 8 a.m. on Monday. He was charged with making terroristic threats; additional charges are pending, police said.

Montclair police have increased patrols around all schools in the district "out of an abundance of caution," authorities said.

"We would like to reassure the public that there is no further danger to our community," police said. "Our commitment to the safety of our schools, students, staff, and residents remains unwavering. We encourage parents, students and staff to remain vigilant and report suspicious activity to the Montclair Police Department."

MAYOR: 'NO ACTIVE THREAT'

Montclair Mayor Renee Baskerville said there is no active threat to children or families in Montclair or other nearby towns at this time.

“An active investigation was underway and every precautionary measure was taken to assure the safety of our community,” the mayor said. “Families may go about their regular activities and feel safe and secure in Montclair.”

Private schools were never involved, and the concern is isolated to Montclair schools and does not affect surrounding communities or institutions, she added.

“We believe that what may have posed a threat is now resolved ... but will continue to monitor the situation,” Baskerville said.

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