7NEWS speaks with FBI Special Agent about series of school threats

BELMONT COUNTY, OHIO (WTRF) – In the Ohio Valley, three area school districts have been hit with threats in two days. It has prompted fears, disruptions and ultimately, investigations.

Today a FBI special agent spoke with 7News about these cases and how seriously they are being taken.

People say it’s surprising that there are so many threats so early in the school year. The FBI says that’s exactly when they happen.

“Every time we go back into session, there are a flurry of school shooting threats that really have hit across Ohio and in West Virginia the last few weeks.”

Richard J. Evanchec, FBI Pittsburgh, Special Agent In Charge

Special Agent Richard Evanchec believes there are so many now because young people have a platform that gives them an opportunity.

“The mere existence of the Internet, the ease with which our youngsters whose minds are still developing can get behind a keyboard and say something that they think isn’t very serious and have significant consequences. So I think it’s the ease, it’s the youngsters that are doing this, just don’t understand the consequences that are behind those actions.”

Richard J. Evanchec, FBI Pittsburgh, Special Agent In Charge

He says the threateners don’t realize it’s a federal violation–a criminal act. They could end up incarcerated.

“Every threat is tracked. We want to neutralize the threat. And that there is a viable criminal charge there, we will absolutely pursue that charge.”

Richard J. Evanchec, FBI Pittsburgh, Special Agent In Charge

He said there have been numerous cases of school threats in the past two weeks.

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