OHIO, USA — Families in several northwest Ohio schools districts were informed Sunday evening of a threatening email sent to school administrators claiming to be from a “Russian organization” targeting American schools.
Local districts that received a threat include: Washington Local, Perrysburg, Sandusky, Fremont, and Findlay although that number may not be complete.
According to Findlay police the threats have been deemed to be not credible by multiple federal and state law enforcement entities including Ohio Homeland Security and the Statewide Terrorism Analysis & Crime Center.
Police in Fremont also warned the public about a "bomb threat made today against 'American school buildings'" and said they would have additional presence at schools on Monday.
Findlay police say Findlay City Schools will "maintain continued collaboration with law enforcement and the learning day will operate as usual on Monday morning."
Washington Local Schools said they will be increasing security at the school on Monday.
Sandusky City Schools also say school will go on as normal on Monday with a heightened police presence.
Genoa Area Local Schools are also taking added precautions on Monday although the district says they did not receive a threat directed at them.
According to a message to Perrysburg families and staff from the district superintendent, three schools received a "very general" threatening email. The district will employ increased security and classes will take place as scheduled Monday.
Oregon City Schools also confirmed they had received the threatening email, were in contact with law enforcement, and school would operate normally Monday.
Toledo Public Schools told WTOL 11 in a statement the district's Department of Public Safety has increased patrols and visits to the schools, while principals were taking extra precautions to keep the buildings secure and students safe.
Other school districts throughout the country and state have reportedly received similar messages.
In response to the reports, an FBI media representative offered the following statement:
"The FBI is aware of the numerous hoax incidents wherein a bomb threat at a school is made. The FBI takes hoax threats very seriously because it puts innocent people at risk. While we have no information to indicate a specific and credible threat, we will continue to work with our local, state, and federal law enforcement partners to gather, share, and act upon threat information as it comes to our attention. We urge the public to remain vigilant, and report any and all suspicious activity and/or individuals to law enforcement immediately."
Any students who see or hear anything of concern are asked to report it to their local law enforcement agency.
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