The police in Abbotsford and Langley report investigating the source of some circulating violent threats online; however, current evidence does not indicate these threats are genuine.
An announcement made by the Abbotsford Police Department (APD) on Monday stated they are informed about emails and social media postings indicating potential violent incidents aimed at multiple schools within the city scheduled for Monday.
The authorities indicated that they suspect this event was an instance of "swatting," which involves making false reports to the police about a severe situation with the intention of provoking a rapid and substantial law enforcement reaction.
They mentioned that during the weekend, law enforcement received multiple false reports of violent incidents occurring and individuals being at risk, leading to several SWAT callouts.
Sergeant Paul Walker, the media relations officer for the APD, stated at a press briefing on Monday that the person behind these communications aims to “instill fear.”
"People who send such messages do not belong in our community," Walker stated.
The Langley RCMP stated in a press release that they are knowledgeable about potential violent threats directed at schools and daycares in both Langley and Abbotsford. They are collaborating closely with the Abbotsford Police Department to look into these threats.
They are requesting anyone with relevant information to reach out to their nearest law enforcement office.
The Abbotsford School District stated in an early Monday morning release that they have knowledge of the threats and have maintained continuous communication with the Abbotsford Police.
Schools are implementing extra security steps such as securing external entrances and enhancing monitoring.
"The schools will stay open, however, as usual, we encourage families to choose what they believe is best for their situation," stated the announcement.
The Langley School District stated that schools stayed open, with the impacted institutions having a school liaison officer present at their location on Monday.
The University of the Fraser Valley mentioned that they also deployed extra security personnel at their Abbotsford campus on Monday.
The APD stated that the police will make sure the community is updated with any fresh details concerning student security.