New swatting threats unfounded at Capital Region schools

By WNYT

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More than a dozen Capital Region school districts were delayed or closed on Tuesday morning, after a wave of early morning active shooter threats.

There have been no reports from law enforcement that any of the threats are credible. However, many schools in Washington County, Saratoga County, and Warren County were either delayed or cancelled – including Argyle, Ballston Spa, Fort Edward, Greenwich, Queensbury, Saratoga Springs and Salem.

A credible source tells NewsChannel 13 this was the language emailed to schools:

“We have planted bombs on the inside. They were assembled by a former Military bomber.
They are well made, hidden in plain site and remote detonated. If we notice anybody trying to disarm the bombs we will detonate them. We will only call off the bombs if you pay us $100,000 in BTC. Reply to this message for the address. If we do not receive a reply we will assume you are not complying and detonate the bombs. This is the only way you will be able to save lives. Do not test us.“

This follows a series of similar calls last week that sent many Capital Region schools into lockdown, causing police and SWAT teams to rush to area schools, and very anxious students and parents.

Several schools in Washington County, Saratoga County, and Queensbury are delayed this morning due to several threats.

Rep. Elise Stefanik released the following statement on the threats:

“The soulless criminals who committed these shameful and cowardly illegal acts must be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. I thank our local and state law enforcement who are working to investigate these threats, so perpetrators will be swiftly brought to justice.”