UPDATE: Facebook post threatens ‘Columbine 2.0’ at Newmarket school, ‘young teen’ arrested

An arrest was made after alleged online threats were made against students at Newmarket’s Clearmeadow Public School.

York Regional Police said a suspect, identified only as a ‘young teenager’, was arrested on January 25 after the school closed.

York District School Board added Clearmeadow, located near Mulock Drive and Bathurst Street, will remain closed January 26 and will switch to online schooling for the day.

const. Laura Nicolle said she could not confirm the comments, some of which were circulated on social media, as they would be used as evidence.

“We became aware last night and the school was closed as a precautionary measure,” she said.

She added that although the force took all gun calls seriously, there were no weapons involved, no physical injuries and no threat to public safety.

None of this prevented parents and concerned users from posting about it on social media. Before the school officially closed for January 26, many said they would not send their children to school because of the online threats.

The threats were made in a Newmarket Facebook group.

On January 26, a user in the group posted “no one shows up” on Clearmeadow and used the phrases “Columbine 2.0 in Canada” and “Judgment Day is upon us”.

Another Facebook user said parents showed up at the police station and called in the threats, which overwhelmed police phone lines.

A comment posted on the York Region District School Board website says the council was assured by police that “no accessible weapons” were involved in the situation.

“We appreciate an incident of this nature could cause students to need support, our focus at the school will be on supporting students’ and staff’s well-being,” the comment reads. “The Council’s mental health clinics and community support resources will be made available to the school in the coming days.”

Bus and taxi service for routes served by the school is canceled.

The school advised parents to check their emails for further details on the closure.

Reference-www.thestar.com

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