Update: District Vows to Keep Community Informed

An email sent to state officials last week that apparently referenced possibly attacking school buses is not considered a credible threat, according to a memo sent to school districts Wednesday afternoon.

"According to the New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services (DHSES)– State Office of Counter Terrorism, although law enforcement authorities are treating this threat seriously and continue to investigate, they are not considering this a credible threat at this time," the memo reads.

On late Wednesday, the Babylon School District posted the initial and follow-up statements about the potential threats on its website.

According Deputy Superintendent Peter Daly the school administration has been in touch with its bus providers and informed that all drivers had been made aware of the potential threat.

“Additionally, members of the schools’ faculty and coaching staff have been apprised of the situation and reminded to be aware of their and their students’ surroundings and report any suspicious behavior,” Daly stated in an email to Patch.

“As these practices are a part of the district’s current policies and procedures, these conversations were had as a means of heightening the awareness of the safety precautions to take with regards to student transportation and inform staff members of the threat.”

Daly also noted that while the original threat has now been deemed “not credible” at this time, the district will continue to monitor the notices put forth by the State Education Department and communicate any changes in procedures with parents and the community.

“As always, the district strives to remain vigilant in ensuring the health and safety of its students,” he wrote.

The threatening email, received by state officials April 1, was released to Long Island school districts Tuesday.

The email makes specific threats of violence to state office buildings, the state Legislature and school buses. No specific school districts are mentioned, however.

One line reads, "If we attack a school bus full of kids it may have no effect on the hardened criminals who rule Albany, but it will put the public in an uproar."

According to the New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services (DHSES) although law enforcement authorities are treating this threat seriously and continue to investigate, they are not considering this a credible threat at this time.