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Letter from Dr O'Donnell to Community Members


Posted Date: 06/21/2022

Letter from Dr O'Donnell to Community Members

Dear Wilton High School Students, Staff, and Families,

I am writing to share information about a matter that the Wilton Police Department investigated early this morning.  While this information may cause some alarm, I want to reassure you that the Wilton Police Department responded immediately and determined that at no time were the safety and well-being of our school community at risk.    

At approximately 5:45 a.m. this morning, the Wilton Police Department became aware of a social media post involving a possible threat to Wilton High School.  Specifically, the post contained a photo of a male wearing a Wilton Warriors shirt holding a firearm with the caption, “Don’t come to school Monday.” The Wilton Police Department immediately commenced an investigation that engaged the efforts of the New Canaan Police Department and the Facebook Law Enforcement Response Team.   By 6:30 a.m., a police officer had communicated with the superintendent of schools to apprise him of the situation. By 6:50 a.m., the Wilton Police Department had made contact with the student pictured in the photo and the student’s parent, and deemed that there was no credible threat to the school community. The photo is believed to have been taken two weeks ago, was reposted over the weekend using a fake Instagram account, and was not accessed by a large number of people.  Officers seized a BB gun and believe that was the gun shown in the post. The Wilton Police Department continues to investigate the matter, but they have determined that there is no active threat to the school community. Rest assured that our school district will follow its protocols and procedures as we respond to this disturbing incident.

This incident serves as a reminder that all members of our community should remain aware and vigilant in our common effort to promote the safety and security of our community.  As part of that effort, we remind all members of our community that if they, “see something, [they should] say something.” Doing so can have a profound positive impact on the lives of all members of our school community.

I would like to extend my gratitude to the Wilton Police Department, the New Canaan Police Department, and the Facebook Law Enforcement Response Team for their responsiveness in this matter.  As always, if you have questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me.

 

Robert William O’Donnell, Ed.D.
Principal
Wilton High School


Published on Jan 15 2019 10:22 AM