Police Investigating Threat Against Schools
Elkhart County authorities are taking seriously a threat that was made against students and are increasing their presence at schools.
According to a media release, an anonymous threat was made saying “20 kids in 5 different schools” would be killed on April 15. The threat was made against schools in Elkhart and St. Joseph counties.
In response to the threat, Elkhart County Sheriff’s Department noted it is increasing officers presence at the schools while “strategically planning” their response.
The investigation continues into who may be responsible for the threat.
The threats come on the heels of proposed legislation that would have mandated all schools have an armed employee on hand. That provision was dropped earlier this week, however, the Indiana House is scheduled to consider possible amendments to that bill today.
The proposal calls for all of Indiana’s public and charter schools to consider having gun-carrying employees at their schools. Monday is the lawmakers deadline to vote on the current bill, which still authorizes school employees to carry guns.
Supporters of having armed personnel say it would lessen the vulnerability of schools to violent attacks such as the December elementary school shooting in Connecticut.