New Jersey Schools Close Following Social Media Threats

On Monday, September 9th, several school districts in South Jersey, including Woodbury and Deptford, were forced to close due to threats made on social media. The threats, which circulated online the previous night, specifically targeted five schools, prompting a strong response from local law enforcement. Over 6,000 students were affected as schools remained closed out of an abundance of caution. The suspects, identified as three juveniles, were arrested early Monday morning.

The districts responded swiftly to the online threats, which were believed to have originated from a TikTok post. Glassboro and Haddon Heights districts opted to keep their schools open but with an increased police presence. Local police departments assured parents that the situation was being closely monitored, though they reiterated that no credible evidence had been found to suggest the threats would be carried out. 

Woodbury Superintendent Andrew Bell emphasized the importance of safety in a statement posted to the district’s website, where he confirmed the closure of all schools for the day. Bell noted that the district was working in close coordination with law enforcement to ensure the safety of students and staff. Similarly, Deptford Superintendent Kevin Kanauss confirmed that all transportation services and extracurricular activities were canceled in light of the threat.

Authorities credited the community for helping identify the suspects, two of whom were from Woodbury and Glassboro, while a third was from Mullica Hill. The Glassboro Police Department issued a statement acknowledging the public’s role in apprehending the individuals responsible for the threats. “We will never stop taking whatever measures necessary to protect our children from fear and chaos,” the department noted.

The Deptford Township Police Department has announced that an increased police presence will remain in place for the foreseeable future. Schools in other areas, such as Haddon Heights and Holy Angels, are expected to follow suit, maintaining heightened security.

The situation comes just days after a similar incident in Georgia, where a 14-year-old student was accused of fatally shooting four individuals at his high school. Authorities across the country have been on high alert as school districts respond to rising concerns over safety threats made through social media platforms.