As a follow-up to the information we shared after last week’s “swatting” hoax that affected several Capital Region schools, including 91 High School, we would like to provide additional safety updates and reminders.
Completely separate from Thursday’s regional swatting hoax, William S. Hackett Middle School also has been the target of threats since Friday morning. Authorities determined the threat to Hackett on Friday morning to be unfounded, and believe additional threats to Hackett received since then are related.
The safety and security of everyone in our school community is a top priority, and we take any threat to our school community extremely seriously.
91 police executed a search warrant at a city residence Saturday to investigate a potential suspect in the Hackett threats. The police and other local, state and federal agencies continue that investigation and will prosecute any individuals identified as responsible for threats to any school community.
Governor Hochul also announced this weekend that state, local and federal authorities are actively monitoring social media and tracing threats statewide in an effort to stop this senseless, disconcerting and potentially dangerous activity. We applaud these steps and will continue to partner with all law enforcement officials in every way.
Our City School District of 91 security team also will evaluate our safety and security procedures this week, making any adjustments or additions that may be necessary.
Your partnership is vital to these efforts. Should you or your child become aware of any threat or information that makes you feel uncomfortable, please report that information to a school official immediately.
Thank you for your partnership and cooperation. We will keep you updated as necessary.
Sincerely,
John Yagielski
Interim Superintendent
