Rumor prompts police response at Tiverton High School

Student comment investigated; police find no credible threat

Posted 3/8/26

TIVERTON — A comment made by a student at Tiverton High School on Friday morning sparked rumors of a potential threat and prompted a police investigation, though authorities later determined there …

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Rumor prompts police response at Tiverton High School

Student comment investigated; police find no credible threat

Posted

TIVERTON — A comment made by a student at Tiverton High School on Friday morning sparked rumors of a potential threat and prompted a police investigation, though authorities later determined there was no credible danger to the school.

The Tiverton Police Department responded to the school around 9:45 a.m. on Friday, March 6, after administrators contacted officers about a statement that had begun circulating among students.

According to police, a guidance counselor reported that one student had overheard another say, “Monday is going to be a blast,” during a classroom conversation. While the counselor did not initially believe the remark constituted a direct threat, school officials contacted police out of an abundance of caution.

Officers responded to the school and began an investigation alongside school administrators, interviewing several students who were reportedly present during the conversation.

During the investigation, police learned that rumors had spread among students suggesting the comment could have referred to a possible school shooting or bomb threat.

The student who made the remark was interviewed by both police and school officials. According to investigators, the student acknowledged making the comment but said it was a reference to a movie and denied any intention to threaten the school or its students.

Police said interviews with other students suggested the statement had been taken out of context and that speculation grew as the story circulated among the student body.

As part of the investigation, officers also contacted parents or guardians of the students involved and asked about possible access to firearms or other weapons. Police said parents told investigators the juveniles involved did not have access to firearms in their homes.

Based on the investigation, police said no evidence was found indicating a credible threat had been made against Tiverton High School.

Even so, police and school officials said the matter was handled seriously and investigated quickly to ensure student and staff safety.

“The Tiverton Police Department takes all potential threats involving our schools very seriously,” Police Chief James Costa said. “Even when information later proves to be unfounded or taken out of context, we investigate thoroughly to ensure the safety of our students, staff, and community.”

Police encouraged students, parents and school staff to report concerning statements or behavior immediately so authorities can quickly assess potential risks.

Anyone with additional information about the incident is asked to contact the Tiverton Police Department at 401/625-6717.

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A lifelong Portsmouth resident, Jim graduated from Portsmouth High School in 1982 and earned a journalism degree from the University of Rhode Island in 1986. He's worked two different stints at East Bay Newspapers, for a total of 18 years with the company so far. When not running all over town bringing you the news from Portsmouth, Jim listens to lots and lots and lots of music, watches obscure silent films from the '20s and usually has three books going at once. He also loves to cook crazy New Orleans dishes for his wife of 25 years, Michelle, and their two sons, Jake and Max.