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911 Threat Prompts Westchester Schools To Tighten Security Measures

WESTCHESTER COUNTY, N.Y. - An unspecified threat targeting an unnamed school in Westchester prompted heightened security Thursday.

An unspecified threat targeting an unnamed school in Westchester prompted heightened security Thursday.

An unspecified threat targeting an unnamed school in Westchester prompted heightened security Thursday.

Photo Credit: Westchester County Police

A call was placed to the 911 center in Manhattan at around 5 a.m. on Thursday morning, where “a vague threat was made indicating there was a bomb at one school in Westchester County,” according to authorities. No one school or school community was named specifically.

In Chappaqua, Schools Superintendent Christine Ackerman noted that "in an abundance of caution, we will have an extra police presence at our schools, and our sports teams have been placed temporarily in the gym as a canine search team conducts a sweep of our grounds." 

Ackerman added that, "If nothing is discovered, the day will go on as planned after the initial steps are taken."

Mount Pleasant Schools Superintendent Susan Guiney alerted parents to the threat on Thursday afternoon, noting that the school district is taking precautions to ensure the safety of their staff and students.

"The buildings have been secured to a single point of entry," she said in a statement. "In addition, local police continue to patrol our campuses. The community and staff have been asked to report anything suspicious to their local police agency." 

"To be extra cautious, we put all buildings on a lock-out today before noon when we first heard, making sure someone was present in the main office to let people in who have appointments," Byram Hills Schools Superintendent Jen Lamia noted. "Only expected deliveries were accepted and checked. All custodial staff searched buildings for anything suspicious and closed open entry points. 

"Staff were alerted to our efforts, even though we are told the threat is not credible. Additional supervision was given to the sports facilities areas at the high school as students are on our athletic fields."

Westchester County Police Spokesman Kieran O'Leary said Thursday afternoon that the department was investigating, though the threat does not "appear credible."

O'Leary noted that no specific school or community was referenced, though every Westchester police department was notified of the threat for their awareness.

Check back to Daily Voice for updates.

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