Schools

Easton Schools Take Precautions After 'Massacre' Threat

Elementary recess/PE classes moved indoors after Lehigh County man's threat.

Easton Area elementary school students had recess and phys ed classes inside Wednesday due to reports of a Lehigh County man who claimed that “jihadists” were going to carry out a "massacre" at local schools.

Superintendent John Reinhart sent a message to parents Wednesday afternoon saying school officials had consulted with police after hearing about the man's threats.

"The consensus of opinions from our law enforcement friends was that we did not need to be concerned about these comments and that we did not need to heighten security because of them," Reinhart wrote. "In consultation with some of our neighboring school district administrators, we decided to keep recess and PE classes inside at the elementary level for today."

According to police, the South Whitehall Township man is being investigated as he undergoes a psychological evaluation at Lehigh Valley Hospital—Muhlenberg in Bethlehem.

"It is my understanding that the police did investigate the matter fully and determined that the comments did not require districts to respond through increased security or other precautionary measures," Reinhart's message said.

The Easton Area School District has had its own threats recently. On Sept. 11, Easton Area High School was evacuated after a message about the school catching on fire was found in a restroom.



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