NEW BRITAIN -- Staff members at New Britain High School confirmed that the school was locked down Thursday morning and there is a heavy police presence at the school.
New Britain Mayor Erin Stewart said the school was locked down as a precaution due to a student overhearing another student say they brought a weapon to school to protect himself. There was also a social media comment with unfounded threats which prompted a heavier police presence at the school.
SWAT was also in the school. An eyewitness said they pulled the student who made the weapons comment out of class.
There were no other threats to other students.
Superintendent Nancy Sarra issued the following statement:
On Wednesday, we were made aware of a rumor that an act of violence was being planned for today (Thursday) at New Britain High School. The NBHS administrative team and officers from the New Britain Police Department immediately investigated the matter.
After speaking with a number of students and staff, we found that this rumor began with an offhand remark that was made by a student in the classroom. That remark was overheard by students and shared with others.
While the New Britain Police Department and the NBHS administrative team did not find the rumor to be credible, we take every report seriously. As such, there will be extra police presence at NBHS throughout the day on Thursday and beyond.
We want to thank the students who came forward to report this. Working together, we can ensure that our schools and community are safe.