GFPD School Threat Response 1/17/2024

January 17th, 2024
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
School Threat Response

GREAT FALLS, MT – On January 16th, 2024, just after 8:30pm, the Great Falls Police Department (GFPD) was notified by Great Falls Public Schools (GFPS) they had received a concerning email. The email triggered immediate collaboration between GFPS and GFPD. Last night, it was determined the threat within the email was not specific or credible and Great Falls Public Schools would continue their regular school schedule this morning, January 17th, 2024.

However, GFPD Officers increased its presence at all local schools today working with GFPS Staff to ensure the safety of our students. Any threats against our schools are taken seriously and are handled with the utmost caution.

The GFPD continued to follow all investigative leads to better understand the incident. Through further investigation it has been determined the email originated from outside the United States. The email itself was a “group” email and did not name any specific school, district, or community. The same email was in fact dispersed to several school districts in Montana.

We are thankful for our excellent relationship with Great Falls Public Schools and will continue to work with our State and Federal Law Enforcement partners on matters such as this.

GFPD and GFPS continue to take any threats to our schools and our students seriously. Parents and guardians, please continue talking to your students about communicating any threatening behavior to a responsible adult.

MEDIA CONTACT: Doug Mahlum – Lt 406-455-8522 

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