January 1, Michigan Inundated with Copycat Threats Following Oxford High School Shooting

Oakland County is inundated with copycat school shooting threats almost immediately following four students were killed and seven others injured by a student who opened fire at Oxford High School.

Sheriff Michael Bouchard called such threats “some weird anomaly” that has become commonplace nationwide.

“Every time something like this happens in the country, there’s a whole bunch of copycat threats and texts and pictures,” Bouchard said during a press conference. “It really burdens law enforcement all across the nation.”

Several area high schools canceled classes after such threats were made, regardless of their credibility.

A spokesperson for the Waterford School District said Waterford Mott High School students were sent home early while police investigated an “unsubstantiated threat.”

In Southfield, a 17-year-old student was arrested for allegedly bringing a loaded handgun to school.

On Thursday, a female student was arrested for threatening to “shoot up” Stevenson High School in Sterling Heights.

Local media reported that many school districts are also closing Friday due to an abundance of threats shared on social media.

The sheriff reiterated that anyone who makes such a threat — regardless of its credibility — will be charged.

“If you make a threat, we’re gonna seek charges,” Bouchard said.

Source:

Bouchard: Copycat threats, credible or not, will be charged