WINNEBAGO COUNTY – After threats were received at Northern Iowa schools last week, local authorities and the FBI hunted down the culprit.
On Wednesday, April 26, 2023, a report was filed with the Winnebago County Sheriff’s Office of a possible threat toward a juvenile student at North Iowa High School in Buffalo Center, Iowa. This threat was received over a social media platform, and was to occur on Friday, April 28th. An investigation into this matter was initiated immediately, and follow up revealed Lake Mills school was possibly included in this threat as well. Law enforcement from Winnebago county and Lake Mills, Iowa police department in conjunction with administration from both North Iowa and Lake Mills, Iowa schools enacted a safety and security plan for each school district. Iowa Oepartment of Criminal Investigation and lowa Fusion Center were contacted for assistance in this matter.
Investigation and follow-up revealed that this threat and IP address came back to an out of state location. FBI (Federal Bureau of Investigation) was then notified to assist and make contact at this location. Investigation revealed a male juvenile at this location sent a threatening message via social media, and FBI deemed this to be a non-credible threat.
School safety plans were followed out in an abundance of caution.
This matter is deemed cleared and resolved, the Winnebago county sheriff declared.
