Local agencies investigate online threats made to Decatur-area schools

DECATUR, Ill. (WAND) — Multiple agencies are investigating threats made on social media to Decatur-area schools.

The Decatur Police Department said it received information about the threats made across multiple platforms around 5:45 p.m. on Thursday night. DPD said it's actively investigating the threats and is working with school officials and other agencies.

A spokesperson for Decatur Public Schools released the following statement, "District administration and the Board of Education has been notified of the threat posted on social media towards Decatur Public Schools and other school districts in Illinois. We appreciate the swift action that was taken by students, parents, administration, staff, and law enforcement, to report and investigate the alleged threat.

"The District takes all threats seriously and any identified individuals will be dealt with accordingly. The District will operate on a normal schedule tomorrow. As an additional safety precaution, District 61 will place all schools on a “hold in place,” which means there will be limited visitor access to our schools and restricted movement within the schools. There may also be additional police presence at our schools. If you see or hear anything that would be helpful to the investigation, please contact the Decatur Police Department."

The Mt. Zion Police Department said that it's also investigating the threats and will provide extra police presence in the schools.

The Macon County Sheriff's Office said that it's assisting the efforts, but reminded the public that similar threats "have occurred in other jurisdictions around the state, but have not resulted in any actual incidents occurring."

WAND News is working to learn more, and will update this story with the latest information.