Rising tensions over threats of school violence yielded a response from Barrington school officials late this week.

On Thursday night, Barrington Superintendent of Schools Michael Messore sent an email to parents, reassuring them that police are still investigating a threatening message found in a high school bathroom on Monday, Dec. 13. 

“We are glad to report that again today (12/16/2021) there were no additional incidents and that student attendance continues to increase daily,” he wrote. “The Barrington Police Department (BPD) and the school administration are still actively investigating this incident. The Barrington Police Department, working with specialists from the Rhode Island State Police, are making progress in the investigation, and continue to follow up on all communications and leads they receive related to this incident.”

In addition, school officials also addressed the latest national Tik Tok trend regarding the possibility of school violence or threats for Friday, Dec. 17.

“BPS nor our local police departments are aware of any specific or credible threats connected to these social media posts,” Mr. Messore wrote. “However, if you or your child are aware of any threat directed at our schools on social media or anywhere else please notify a school official or the police immediately. You may observe police presence at our schools for morning drop-off and afternoon dismissal. School officials will increase their level of supervision at their schools tomorrow.”

Meanwhile, Barrington schools are taking additional safety measures, such as holding indoor recesses.

During a radio interview earlier this week, Barrington Police Chief Michael Correia spoke about the work the police department has taken to reduce fear in the community. He also said he believes the message written inside the high school bathroom was not an imminent threat. 

“This is a threat, and it’s being taken seriously, however it’s been determined and I stand by this determination, it’s not an imminent threat. We’re investigating it. We’re going to increase our police presence there. We’re going to try to reduce fear. And we’re working collectively,” he said, during an interview on WPRO.

“Yesterday (Dec. 14) I spoke to the FBI. We’re in contact with the state fusion center. There might be a Tik Tok connection to this, that we’re looking into. There’s been an incident very similar down in New Jersey. We’re running out all those leads. In the meantime, we’re going to provide a little added presence at the school, to try to reduce the fear.”

Chief Correia spoke about the investigation also.

“We’re looking at internal camera video surveillance. Trying to determine who had access, who might have been in the girl’s bathroom,” he said. “We put out messages to the community. The goal right now is obviously to hold somebody accountable if at all possible. And how that looks is, my sense is, holding somebody accountable in this situation doesn’t necessarily mean they have to be arrested and charged. They might need mental health counseling. That might be the real appropriate remedy… that’s if we can determine who did this.”

Officials brought in K-9 units on Tuesday, Dec. 14 and conducted a sweep of the school, looking for any guns, shell casings, black powder, explosives. Barrington High School Principal Joe Hurley sent a letter to BHS families regarding the K-9 sweep.

“Students and staff were notified before the start of today's sweep, during which the K-9 Unit went into empty classrooms while students were at lunch. Students and staff may have seen these two Providence K-9 Officers in the building today with their K-9s. The dogs checked desks, cabinets, and student book bags that remained in classrooms throughout the building. The officers did not find any firearms or related materials,” he wrote. 

Tip line

Barrington Police and local school officials are encouraging anyone with information about the incident to call:

• Barrington Police Department direct line — 401-437-3935

• Barrington Police Department Tip Line — 401-437-3933

• Barrington School Department — 401-245-5000 ext. 1