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Police have identified a suspicious man after a high school in the Durham area received threats of online violence against students.
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“Be careful. I’m not playing,” read an online message from the Toronto Sun. “Tomorrow at 10:45 in front of the main office I’m going to … ballistics”,
Durham Regional Police say they were aware of the threats to students and staff at Bowingtonville Clarington Central Secondary School on Thursday night and have since identified a suspect.
Screenshot of an internal Clarington High School student social networking website. SUPPLIED Screenshot of an internal social networking website for Clarington High School students. SUPPLIED
Police said Friday they are confident there are no security issues for students and staff.
“Everyone was scared and panicked,” 10th grader Mandy Rypstra said. “I came to school and the police were everywhere … but I waited and then nothing happened.”
Police moved to Clarington Central High School in Bowmanville after a threat was posted on an internal social media student website on Friday, May 27, 2022. VERONICA HENRI / TORONTO SUN
Parents were also on high alert, with some choosing to keep their children at home, leaving some classrooms empty on Friday mornings.
The recent mass murder of elementary students in Uvalde, Texas, may have only increased tensions.
“I’m afraid Canada will follow in America’s footsteps, and we’ll fall for the same rabbit they did, and things like this will really start to happen,” said 10th grader Alysha Wilson.
Some students on social media thought the threat was a joke.
“People were responding to social media, laughing and stuff like that,” 9th grader Olivia Wilson said.
The investigation is ongoing and charges are pending.