Sartell High School Allows Classes to Go Ahead After Threats Deemed Not Credible

(KNSI) — Classes were allowed to go on as scheduled after authorities determined that threats against Sartell High School were not credible.

The police department says the FBI’s National Threat Operations Center and the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension alerted them early Wednesday morning about a Snapchat group message made by a student who referred to self harm and “possible threats to cause school violence.” Police, in turn, notified school officials about it and made them aware students may need to be kept away from the building.

The person who sent the message and their parents were tracked down and were cooperative with the investigation.

Through conversations and communication with district officials, it was determined that it was safe to send kids to class.

A news release from Chief Brandon Silgjord thanked the Sartell St. Stephen School District as the two worked closely to address the issue and adds the incident highlights the importance of the partnerships with state and federal law enforcement agencies and thanked them for a quick response to the potential threats at the local level. He also says it serves as a “stark reminder for parents to urge their kids to report concerning messages or posts on social media and to not wait until they’re caugt by a secondary safety measure,” like what happened with this incident.

The investigation is ongoing. The student and their family will continue to receive necessary resources and follow up.

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