CEDAR RAPIDS – Schools in Iowa’s second-largest city were shut down due to threats so severe the FBI got involved, now authorities have a young teen in custody.
Cedar Rapids Police were made aware of social media threats against the Cedar Rapids Community School District on Saturday, September 30, and began an investigation that culminated with an arrest on October 6. Cedar Rapids Police Department and their resources were engaged immediately along with State public safety agencies, and the FBI to investigate the situation.
The Cedar Rapids Police Department, in cooperation with the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation, has made an arrest in connection to the social media threats on September 30 that closed the Cedar Rapids Community School District on Monday, October 2, 2023. The ongoing investigation led to a 14-year-old juvenile from Cedar Rapids being charged.
No further information will be made available regarding the identity of the individual by police or school officials.
Dr Tawana Grover, Superintendent of the Cedar Rapids Community School District released the following statement following the arrest. “We are deeply grateful for the diligent and unwavering efforts of the Cedar Rapids Police Department. Their invaluable assistance and resources were paramount in ensuring the safety and security of our community.” She continued, “CRCSD would like to thank our parents and our community for their cooperation during this highly sensitive investigation as we work to ensure safe and secure learning environments in our schools.” The School District also added they will continue with their current precautionary safety protocol measures for Friday with an intent to lift them next week.
Elements of this case remain under investigation.