COLUMBUS, Ohio — Families in several central Ohio schools were informed Sunday evening of a threatening email sent to school administrators claiming to be from a “Russian organization” targeting American schools.
The following districts have reported receiving the email: Hilliard City Schools, Olentangy Schools, South-Western City School District, Worthington City Schools, Reynoldsburg City Schools and Logan-Hocking School District.
Superintendents sent a letter to families saying that their local law enforcement, FBI and the Joint Terrorism Task Force were notified of the threats. The letters said the FBI is aware of the messages and stated there was no credibility to the claims.
Other school districts throughout the country have reportedly received similar messages.
As a precautionary measure, there will be an increase in law enforcement presence around the school buildings in impacted areas on Monday.
“This is not because the threats have any credibility but because we know any type of threat can cause anxiety and concern, and we are committed to maintaining the highest level of service and care for our community,” letters from Hilliard and Olentangy superintendents read.
In addition, the Logan-Hocking School District announced all schools and activities are canceled due to and ongoing investigation with "additional threats."
The districts plan to continue working with law enforcement and other central Ohio school districts.
Any students who see or hear anything of concern are asked to report it to their local law enforcement agency.
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