BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — The East Aurora Union Free School District announced schools are closed Friday after a student "made a threatening statement."
On the district's website, a statement reads "due to recent events there is no school Friday, May 27th." In a letter to families and staff Thursday, the district issued a lengthy statement saying in part that high school administration received a report that a student made a threatening statement. Police were notified, an investigation is underway and schools are closed Friday.
Police tell 7 News a 14-year-old freshman, has been charged with making a terroristic threat. The student allegedly lost a competition at school and made verbal threats relating to “Buffalo and Texas.” Schools were closed out of an abundance of caution since the student had “access to weapons” at his home.
You can read the district's full statement below:
Dear East Aurora Families and Staff,
As a District, we are committed to the safety and education of all our students, and we also want to clearly communicate with our families about safety concerns when they arise.
The East Aurora High School administration recently received a report that a student made a threatening statement. We immediately contacted the East Aurora Police Department and they commenced an investigation. We are continuing to fully cooperate with the authorities regarding this matter and next steps.
In an abundance of caution, in light of recent events, and out of respect for the mental and emotional well-being of our students, families, staff, and community, we have decided to cancel classes and close our school buildings tomorrow, Friday May 27, 2022. This will allow time for the investigation to proceed.
As always, we will continue to be vigilant when we hear concerning information and respond accordingly based on the circumstances.
We appreciate your understanding and support through these challenging times. I will provide an update over the weekend.
Sincerely,
Brian Russ
Erie County District Attorney John Flynn said upon learning the student had weapons in the home with potential access, he filed a Red Flag Law petition. A judge granted the removal of those guns.
The student's parents have 10 days to file to get the weapons back.
