Online threats cancel classes at JFK, FBLG, Sanchez

A series of threats made against four Guam Department of Education schools prompted a slew of canceled classes on Friday and now a ban on backpacks for students.

Middle and high school students in the Guam Department of Education will not be allowed to bring backpacks or large bags to classes effective Monday, Sept. 30, in light of the online threats.

As of Friday, online threats were made against four separate GDOE schools in less than 24 hours, the Pacific Daily News reported.

The threats prompted a cancellation of classes for John F. Kennedy High School, Simon Sanchez High School, FB Leon Guerrero Middle School, and a Friday morning visit to Okkodo High School by the Guam Police Department.

As of press time Friday, GPD has not announced any arrests related to the incidents.

Besides backpacks, duffle bags, gym bags, large purses and any other large bags will be prohibited, the Guam Department of Education announced on Friday afternoon.

The decision was made to ensure a safe and secure learning atmosphere, according to the release. More details will be provided from each respective school through their social media and websites.

The threats have launched investigations by the Guam Police Department, according to GDOE spokesperson Tes Reyes-Burrier. She said JFK, Sanchez, and FBLG students will have to make up their day of lost class time.

According to the release from GDOE, Education Superintendent Erik Swanson is asking the community to remain vigilant and continue to cooperate in response to online threats.

“It’s crucial for community members to report any suspicious online activity as it helps law enforcement agencies to track trends, understand the scope of cyber threats, and respond effectively to protect the community,” the release stated.

Late night threats

The series of threats began Thursday afternoon with JFK and Simon Sanchez, according to Education Superintendent Erik Swanson.

Swanson made the decision to cancel the classes late Thursday night, after continuing online threats against the two double-session schools, the Pacific Daily News reported.

“At this point we do not know the credibility of the threat,” Swanson said about the JFK and Sanchez threats, during an interview with Wave 105.1 radio on Friday morning.

“What I do know is there’s a sufficient number of firearms on this island that if someone wants to do that kind of damage, it can be done,” he said.

According to the superintendent, a threat against JFK and Sanchez came at about 5:45 pm on Thursday.

School administration secured students on the campus and cleared out, following the threat, he said. GPD responded immediately.

“Most of the students are already gone anyway, but sports teams and those folks were all still on board,” Swanson said.

Initial information from GPD indicated that two individuals may be involved, according to the superintendent.

Threats against the double-session schools continued, however, at about 7:40 pm Thursday, he said. Swanson said there has been no information about suspects in the later threat, as of about 8 am Friday morning.

The decision not to have Friday classes for JFK or Sanchez was made, in order to avoid any risk and give GPD an opportunity to conduct an investigation, he said.

Perpetrators “could very well be a student,” Swanson said.

“A younger person, based on the way the posts were written,” he added.

FBLG, Okkodo

On Friday morning, a separate shooting threat was reported at the Okkodo High School campus, where FBLG also students expected double-session classes in the afternoon.

GPD was on the Okkodo campus by morning time, according to school spokesperson Reyes-Burrier, but Friday classes were not canceled for the high school.

A risk assessment was done, which found a “low-risk level”, she said. Additional GDOE staff were also sent to the school for assistance, she added.

As of about 10 am, there were lines of cars streaming in and out of the Okkodo campus.

But just before noon Friday, GDOE announced classes for FB Leon Guerrero Middle School were canceled in the wake of yet another online threat.

The cancellation was a precautionary measure, according to GDOE’s Reyes-Burrier.

She said the threat made against the middle school was “very specific” and is now under review by the Guam Police Department. The GDOE declined to provide further details.