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OGDEN — The Utah Department of Public Safety on Friday said it is aware of "multiple bomb threat emails" targeting some Utah school districts but has deemed the threats to be hoaxes.
The department also said these emails have targeted schools in other states, with Utah districts being the latest target.
"DPS is actively collaborating with local law enforcement agencies to conduct comprehensive investigations into these incidents. Our top priority is ensuring the safety and security of our educational institutions and the communities they serve. The safety of our students and school staff is of utmost importance," the department said in a statement.
East Idaho News on Wednesday reported that Fremont County Joint School District 215 received emails claiming that bombs had been placed in schools that morning.
School resource officers and law enforcement were contacted and determined there was no credible threat, and school stayed in session.
Although it's unclear how wide the scope affected Utah school districts, Weber School District spokesman Lane Findlay said the district became aware a bomb-threat hoax was circulating in schools throughout Idaho and Wyoming.
"This morning, the same hoax started hitting schools throughout Utah. In fact, we've already received the hoax here at some of our schools. In working with law enforcement, we are certain this is a hoax meant to try and disrupt the school system," Findlay said. "We are working closely with law enforcement but we are confident there is no danger to our schools. You may see some additional officers at schools around the county this morning, but we are trying to limit the disruption this hoax could cause. We appreciate your understanding in this matter."
The Beaver County Sheriff's Office also released a statement Friday that said its deputies responded to possible threats at schools within the Beaver County School District, spurring emergency evacuations.
"While responding we learned that this was a multistate hoax, however, we took the threat seriously, continued clearing the schools and set reunification points for the children and parents," the sheriff's office said in a statement. "In this day and age, we take all threats seriously."
The Washington County School District, Uintah School District and Ogden School District also released statements regarding the perceived hoax. Each district said they've been working with local law enforcement and determined the threats aren't credible and that school will be held as normal.
Conversely, the Summit County Sheriff's Office in a Facebook post on Friday said "the state cannot verify the validity of the threats but law enforcement is on scene," adding, schools in the North Summit School District are being evacuated.
"Please avoid the area at this time. Parents and emergency contacts have received emails, phone calls and/or messages regarding student pickup procedures. If you did not receive student pickup information, please contact the school district office at (435)-366-5654. We will provide more information as it becomes available," the post says.
