Montclair, NJ – The Montclair Police Department released this statement Monday regarding information about a threat to Montclair High School:


Montclair Police Department was advised of a potential threat to Montclair High School in the early morning hours. An investigation into this commenced immediately, and deemed unsubstantiated prior to the beginning of the school day. The investigation is on-going/active to properly address the situation in its entirety. At this time, there is no threat to our students, faculty, or staff. There is no additional information at this time.

Earlier Monday, Principal Jeffrey Freeman sent the following email to parents Monday regarding information the school obtained:


Dear MHS Community,

Early this morning, it was brought to my attention that a threat against the school was made by one of our MHS students. In response, we immediately contacted law enforcement to investigate the threat and the situation continues to be investigated by school authorities and law enforcement.

Threats against schools are treated very seriously and students who are determined to have made such threats face consequences through our school’s Code of Conduct, as well as potential legal consequences.

We applaud the students and families who came forward to report the situation. This is an opportune time to discuss this situation with your children and emphasize that there are severe consequences of such actions, even if the threat is made in jest. Please remind your children about the importance of reporting any suspicious or potentially threatening activity to a staff member as soon as possible.

Please know that the safety of our students and staff is our top priority and any threats of violence, even if deemed not credible, are taken very seriously. As a precautionary measure and to reassure students and staff, there is a police presence at MHS today. As always, please feel free to contact me with any questions.

Montclair Schools Superintendent Dr. Jonathan Ponds also wrote to parents:

Dear Families/Caregivers and Staff,

Early this morning we received notice that a threat had been made by a student about the high school. This threat was taken very seriously and immediately investigated and addressed by the Montclair Police Department. We are following all procedures and guidelines and working in collaboration with the police.

Safety and security is our utmost priority.

In November 2019, Montclair Police locked down the high school after a report of a weapon, but Montclair Police later stated that no weapon was found.