An investigation by the Kingston Police Department, in conjunction with the FBI, Tuscola County Sheriff’s Office, Michigan State Police and school officials, saw an increased presence of law enforcement in and around Kingston Community Schools on Monday morning.
The precaution followed a threat shared on social media by Kingston students, which was flagged by the FBI. Law enforcement agencies and school officials have identified the students involved, and those individuals have been removed from the school environment. The case is being forwarded to the Tuscola County Prosecutor’s Office for review and potential charges.
The Kingston Police Department noted in a statement that “any threat—whether made seriously or as a “joke”—is never taken lightly. Such actions can cause fear and disruption within our schools and carry severe criminal and disciplinary consequences.” The department also noted that the extra presence of law enforcement on Monday, October 20, was taken as a proactive measure to “help maintain a calm, safe, and secure learning environment for students and staff.”
Local law enforcement encourages parents to talk with their children about the seriousness of making or sharing threatening statements, even in jest. If anyone becomes aware of threats or concerning behavior related to local schools, please report it immediately to the school’s staff and administration, the school’s resource officer, or the state police’s student safety program’s confidential tip plan, OK2SAY at ok2say.state.mi.us/
