Teacher arrested after threat that shut down NJ school district, police say
A New Jersey teacher has been arrested after a potential threat to staff and students shut down an entire school district on Monday, authorities said.
Amir Doctry, a 45-year-old staff member currently on administrative leave from the Montclair School District, was arrested without incident in connection with the threat, the Montclair Police Department said. Doctry was charged with making terroristic threats and has additional charges pending.
Police said authorities learned of the alleged threat on Sunday and immediately launched an investigation. The threat was made online via social media and was “directed at a specific staff member.”
Doctry allegedly threatened to shoot and kill the principal of Northeast Elementary School, where he was a staff member. Following his arrest, police assured the community that there was no further danger.
Police worked with the Montclair Board of Education, the FBI, and other local authorities to identify the source of the threat. As a precautionary measure, all schools in the district were closed on Monday.
“Our commitment to the safety of our schools, students, staff, and residents remains unwavering,” police said. “We encourage parents, students, and staff to remain vigilant and report suspicious activity to the Montclair Police Department.”
The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining a safe and secure environment in educational institutions. It highlights the need for swift action and collaboration between law enforcement and school officials to address threats and ensure the safety of all individuals involved.
As the community processes this unsettling event, it is crucial to prioritize safety measures and communication strategies to prevent similar incidents in the future. By remaining vigilant and working together, we can create a safer environment for everyone.
