FAIRFIELD, Conn. — A minor in Fairfield has been arrested for a threatening social media post, according to the Fairfield Police Department.
A release from Fairfield police says Fairfield Public Schools alerted parts of the school community on Sept. 13 about potentially dangerous student activity that could occur during SeptemberFest at Assumption Church.
Based on information discovered on social media, the school district reported that a group of students was possibly planning to meet at the event with the intention of causing a physical altercation.
The situation did not directly involve school property, but Fairfield police launched a joint investigation with the school district, and the school district notified families. The Fairfield Police School Safety Unit, Detective Bureau and the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s New Haven Field Office began investigating the social media post.
It was determined that the threat was non-credible and there was no danger to the public, but Fairfield police still increased its presence in the area and created a comprehensive plan to monitor the situation during the weekend of SeptemberFest.
During the following days, detectives examined evidence and gathered information, according to Fairfield police. Last Tuesday, the Fairfield Public School Safety Unit identified the individual responsible for the post.
According to Fairfield police, the post was made by a middle-school-aged student within the town’s school district, and it was meant as a hoax. Nonetheless, the student was arrested. Fairfield police say the school district is following its disciplinary procedures in response to what occurred.
Fairfield police are emphasizing that any threats or dangerous behavior, regardless of intent, will be taken very seriously, noting that such actions are illegal and disrupt the entire community’s safety and well-being.
Anyone who creates, shares, reposts or otherwise promotes violent threats will be held accountable by law enforcement and the school district, Fairfield police say. Even those who do not initiate threats but choose to participate in spreading or amplifying them will face severe consequences.
Fairfield Police Chief Robert Kalamaras says that the department understands that these situations cause concern and assures residents that the town’s officers acted swiftly and thoroughly in response to the threat.
“We encourage students, parents and community members to remember that any involvement in creating or perpetuating these threats can lead to arrest and disciplinary action, regardless of the original intent,” Kalamaras said. “Schools and public spaces must remain safe havens for our children and residents. The Fairfield Police Department will continue to utilize every resource at our disposal to ensure the safety and security of our community.”
Fairfield police encourage parents and guardians to discuss the consequences of such actions with their children and monitor their children’s social media activity. The department says community cooperation is a critical element in maintaining safety and security.
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Dalton Zbierski is a digital content producer and writer at FOX61 News. He can be reached at dzbierski@FOX61.com.
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