CHILLICOTHE, Ohio — Increased police patrols are scheduled for several central Ohio school districts on Monday following emails from a Russian account targeting American schools with explosives.
Chillicothe City Schools is among the affected districts.
Upon receiving the threatening emails, administrators contacted local law enforcement, leading to involvement from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Joint Terrorism Task Force. In a message to parents, officials told parents there was no credible threat tied to the emails.
Chillicothe City School District addressed parents, stating, “The Chillicothe City School District is fully committed to assuring the safety and care of our students. The District is working with the Chillicothe Police Department (CPD) regarding an email threat released across the state today to many school districts. The email threat has been deemed not credible and a hoax by the CPD. Out of precaution, the Chillicothe Police Department will be visible tomorrow morning at the start of the day across the district. If you see or hear of anything that causes you concern, please contact the Chillicothe Police Department.”
Licking County Sheriff Randy Thorp posted about similar threats made against county school districts, also stating there was no credibility to them. Westerville and Athens districts mentioned that the emails threatened to target schools with explosives. Alexander Local Schools in Athens County announced a two-hour delay on Monday for safety inspections, specifying that the threat was related to explosives.
Chillicothe City Schools will have increased police patrols at district buildings on Monday, with officials stating that the heightened patrols are “out of an abundance of caution” to address concerns and ease anxiety caused by the threats. Additionally, Logan-Hocking will excuse students without question if parents decide to keep them home.
