Bloomington police investigate false school threat

Posted on March 24, 2023

Bloomington Police Department — *Contact was eventually made with the individual who made the threat, and it was determined that there was no credible threat to any area school. (WJBC file photo)*

BLOOMINGTON – Police are investigating a swatting incident after fake gun threats were reported against Bloomington schools Thursday.

According to a Bloomington police press release, officers were notified of a threat of gun violence against an unspecified Bloomington school at approximately 6:45 a.m.

Officers responded to all Bloomington schools over the course of the investigation.

Contact was eventually made with the individual who made the threat, and it was determined that there was no credible threat to any area school.

Anyone who wishes to submit a tip to Bloomington police are encouraged to contact the Crime & Intelligence Analysis Unit (CIAU) at (309)-434-2963, or Text to Tip at 847411, or email [email protected].

District 87 released the following response to this incident:

“In the spirit of transparency, we wanted to address an incident that took place this morning. Early this morning we were informed by the Bloomington Police Department that they were investigating a “swatting” incident involving a potential threat to an unspecified area school. As we began to assess, we were informed that their investigation determined the threat to be unfounded. We quickly learned that no District 87 schools were specifically named and that the incident did not involve any of our students. A Bloomington Police Press release linked here soon followed with greater detail. We appreciate the ongoing communication and partnership with the Bloomington Police Department and value our collective efforts to investigate concerns and to keep our school community safe. While we do not wish to provide this senseless act any further attention, I do want to make sure that our parents/guardians are informed. We will continue to make the safety and security of our schools a top priority.”

Blogs

Labor Day – Expanding voting rights for all

By Mike Matejka Because of COVID, there is no Labor Day Parade this year. It’s always a great event for our everyday workers to march proudly down the street and enjoys the festive crowd. If there had been a parade, this year’s Labor Day theme was to be “150 years of struggle: your right to vote.” …

Is federal mobilization the answer?

By Mike Matejka As President Donald Trump threatens to send federal marshals into Chicago, over the objections of Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker, recall another Illinois Governor who protested the incursion of armed federal personnel into the city. Those federal troops, rather than calming, escalated the situation, leading to deaths and violence. Illinois poet Vachel Lindsay…

In these troubled times, to my fellow white Americans

By Mike Matejka Our nation is at a unique watershed in human relations. African-Americans have been killed too many times in the past before George Floyd, but the response to this man’s death is international and all-encompassing. I was a grade-schooler during the Civil Rights 1960s. I watched Birmingham demonstrators hosed and the Selma – Montgomery…

Workers’ Memorial Day – Remember those whose job took their life

Looking around our community, when we say employer, most will respond to State Farm, Country, or Illinois State University. We too often forget those who are building our roads, serving our food, or our public employees. COVID-19 has made us more aware of the risk. Going to work every day for some people means…