PLAINS, LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — Law enforcement in Luzerne County, along with the FBI, are trying to track down the source of a threat made against the Wilkes-Barre Area School District on Tuesday. That threat led to the closing of all district schools and district buildings.
GAR Memorial Middle School and seven others were closed.
That threat was determined not to be credible, meaning that students and staff would not have been harmed, but the source of that threat is still being pursued.
"When we do receive a threat like this, you know, our message has always been clear: safety will always come first," Wilkes-Barre Area School District Superintendent Doctor Brian Costello stated.
That led to the closing of eight schools and all district buildings. The threat was received overnight.
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The district posted the following message on its Facebook page:
The Wilkes-Barre Area School District is aware of a threat that is actively being investigated by law enforcement. Out of an abundance of caution, all schools in the Wilkes-Barre Area will be closed. Students and teachers will have a virtual learning day following their regular schedule. We will provide updates as more information becomes available. Thank you for your cooperation.
Wilkes-Barre Area School District
"We were able to identify the threat, ultimately found not to be credible, but we always look to treat every potential threat with the seriousness it deserves. With that being said, we will remain closed today. Our classes are going to continue virtual, but campus will be open for other events that we may have going on throughout the day," Dr. Costello explained.
The parents 28/22 News talked with were concerned about the threat, but said the following:
"As far as my kids being home, I'd rather be safe than sorry. no matter what, so no matter what I have going on that day, I can put that on hold and just tend to my kids," Jahquel, a parent, told 28/22 News.
If the person who made the threat is tracked down, they face charges, including terroristic threats, and could face up to seven years in prison and $15,000 in fines.
Schools will be reopened on Wednesday.
