MID-HUDSON – South Middle School Principal Chante Brooks has written to parents of students informing them about an incident at the school in the City of Newburgh.
A school employee noticed a message that indicated the school was “a target of violence,” she wrote. City police and school district officials were notified and “they are working to determine the validity of the threat and the person responsible for issuing the threat.”
On Thursday night at about 9:21 p.m., Hyde Park Police received a report of a threat made at Franklin Delano Roosevelt High School.
Someone posted a picture on social media of a bathroom wall at FDR stating “there was going to be a shooting tomorrow.”
Detectives were able to track down where the post originated and that students was interviewed by the school resource officers.
Police reviewed countless hours of video surveillance with assistance of school administration.
At this time, police said the threat has been deemed not credible, but officers checked all bags before anyone was allowed to enter.
Hyde Park Police and Dutchess County Sheriff’s deputies provided a strong presence at the school during arrival and there are extra officers assigned to the school to assist in keeping the students safe.
The investigation is continuing.
In Newburgh, school officials said they handle all threats such as these in a serious manner. “We are also diligent about pursuing those who make false claims and jeopardy the safety and learning environment of our scholars,” said South Middle School Principal Brooks.
