NEW HAVEN, CT — Wilbur Cross High School was briefly placed on lockdown Thursday morning after a 16-year-old student reportedly made threats on social media targeting other students, authorities confirmed. The lockdown lasted roughly 40 minutes before being lifted, with police locating the student at home and taking them into custody without incident.
Lockdown and Investigation
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The lockdown began at approximately 9:45 a.m., as social media posts alerted parents, students, and community members to a potential threat at the school. While the situation caused immediate concern, officials confirmed the measure was taken as a precaution while authorities verified the credibility of the threats.
The New Haven Police Department (NHPD) quickly identified the student responsible for the posts. Officers confirmed the individual was not on campus at the time and found no weapons in connection with the incident. By 10:08 a.m., school administrators announced that the lockdown had been lifted and the building was secure.
“Wilbur Cross High School was closed today for 40 minutes as a precaution while police investigated a social media report,” the school stated. “The threat did not appear to be credible.”
Community Reaction
Although the lockdown ended safely, students and parents expressed understandable concern. “It was really scary for those 40 minutes,” one student said. “Even if it turned out to be nothing, when you’re in class and hear there’s a lockdown, you don’t know what’s going on.”
Parents praised the swift response by both the school and law enforcement while highlighting growing worries about threats made online. Officials emphasized that even non-credible threats disrupt learning and carry serious consequences.
Moving Forward
Wilbur Cross administrators reminded students and families about responsible social media use. Counseling services have been made available for those affected by the incident. Police confirmed the student will face legal action, though specific charges remain undisclosed due to the individual’s juvenile status.
Conclusion
Thursday morning’s lockdown at Wilbur Cross High School underscores the importance of school safety protocols and the seriousness with which authorities treat online threats. While the community is relieved that no credible danger was present, the incident highlights ongoing challenges schools face in managing threats in the digital age.