Police Respond in Force to Threat of Violence at East Whittier Middle School

Over 25 Whittier Police Officers responded to East Whittier Middle School today (October 31st) in response to a threat of violence against its students. At 1:00pm, an unknown caller phoned the Whittier Daily News with disturbing information. According to the reporter who took the call, a “male adult in his 30’s,” began telling him that three “skinheads” he saw at a party the evening prior, were claiming they would proceed to East Whittier Middle School to “shoot it up.” The caller claimed the three “skinheads” were brandishing AK-47 assault rifles and claiming the attack would be carried out towards the end of the school day. The caller, who was reluctant to give any further information, then ended the call.

Immediately after the call ended, the reporter contacted the Whittier Police Department and within minutes, officers began to arrive at the school. As time progressed, additional officers, including the Whittier Police Department’s Tactical Entry Team, arrived in force as a precautionary measure. With an absence of any threat, the decision was made to dismiss the students as usual at 1:30pm; this occurred without incident. A short while thereafter, the remaining faculty members left the campus and the premises were closed without incident.

Speaking to faculty and East Whittier City School District officials, officers learned there have been no previous threats of violence against the school or its students by way of phone or facsimile. Furthermore, there have been no acts of violence involving students, nor is the student body comprised of anyone teachers would classify as “skinheads.”

Nevertheless, the Whittier Police Department and East Whittier City School District, takes any such threat of violence with the utmost seriousness. Furthermore, investigators will be exploring all means of investigation to uncover who may have made such a threat. Lastly, as a precautionary measure, Whittier Police Officers will be posted at the school for the duration of the week.