Pine-Richland Middle And High Schools Closed, FBI Investigating Cyber Threat
RICHLAND TOWNSHIP (KDKA) -- The FBI and Northern Regional Police are investigating a threat made to the Pine-Richland School District that cancelled classes Wednesday at the middle school and high school.
In a message posted to the school district's website, authorities say the "specific cyber threat" targeted those two buildings.
Police blocked off all the entrances to the middle and high schools after the threat was reported. For hours, various law enforcement from the City of Pittsburgh to Westmoreland County could be seen driving into the middle school's parking lot.
Numerous officers and canines were brought in to sweep the buildings.
The campus is now secured.
"I do believe they're trying to help the kids and their wellness and create an environment that they feel they can help them," said parent, Nicole Smith.
However, in addition to Wednesday classes, all after-school and evening activities, including competitions, are cancelled. An Wednesday evening open house at the middle school building is also cancelled.
Police officers will remain at the school throughout the rest of the day.
"If it's a real threat, it could cause such damage, it could be devastating," said parent, Trisha Gizienski.
Police blocking all entrances to Pine-Richland School District. A bomb threat was made. We saw police with several canines. @KDKA pic.twitter.com/9zQXdbX59s
— Lindsay Ward (@LindsayWardTV) September 11, 2019
District officials say making threats like the one reported today is a violations against the district's Discipline Code.
In their letter to families, they say:
"The cyber threat received by the district constitutes a terroristic threat in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. The district will pursue charges to the fullest extent of the law."
All other schools in the district had classes as scheduled.
District officials say classes for the middle and high schools will resume on Thursday, under heightened security.
It hasn't been an easy week for the district. This is the second time they're having to address a threat.
On Tuesday, students bags were searched and restrictions were put into place in restrooms after a student was found responsible for writing a threat.
Anyone with information is asked to call the tip line at 724-449-TIPS.
