WORCESTER ― Threats of violence on social media at multiple Worcester Public Schools led to an increased police presence at several Worcester schools Monday.
According to a joint statement from Worcester Superintendent Rachel Monárrez and interim Police Chief Paul Saucier, the police do not believe there is credible evidence of a threat to public schools, but additional police personnel would be at certain schools Monday.
“On Saturday, multiple students from various schools in the Worcester Public Schools (WPS) reported viewing threatening messages. The Worcester Police Department is investigating and trying to determine if these are new messages or the same ones from earlier this week,” the statement reads. “WPS is communicating closely with the Worcester Police Department. At this time, the police do not believe there is a credible threat to safety in the Worcester Public Schools. There will be additional police presence at identified schools on Monday.”
The statement also said that the district will be increasing “vigilance around visitor management” and working with staff to ensure safe schools. The district declined to say which schools were subject to increased police presence when asked by the Telegram & Gazette.