MEAWW.COM / NEWS / CRIME & JUSTICE

Oxford school shooting: Michigan schools cancel classes fearing ‘copycat’ shooters

Schools across Oakland County, Michigan, canceled all classes for the remainder of the week after the November 30 incident

OAKLAND COUNTY, MICHIGAN: The deadly shooting at Oxford High School in Michigan that saw teenager Ethan Crumbley claim four lives and injure seven others has prompted several other schools to close after a series of threatening messages were found graffitied on walls and left on social media platforms.

Schools across Oakland County, Michigan canceled all classes for the remainder of the week after the November 30 incident. Meanwhile, a couple of school districts around Metro Detroit have also canceled classes as a precaution following threats written on a bathroom wall at Heritage Junior High School, Sterling Heights. Schools in Holly, Rochester, and Troy and shut down for Thursday, before sending a letter to parents saying they were cooperating with the authorities.

RELATED ARTICLES

Oxford school shooting: Here's why suspect Ethan Crumbley was charged with terrorism

Media slammed for using 'baby-faced' pictures of Ethan Crumbley instead of mug shot

Rochester schools clarified in a statement that there was no credible threat, but they had taken the safety of students on priority following multiple threatening messages by potential copycats on social media. "There have been rumors circulating on social media indicating that other high schools may be at risk of experiencing a tragedy similar to the one that occurred recently at Oxford High School," the statement read. "At Rochester Community Schools, we take all threats very seriously."

The school closures came after 15-year-old Ethan Crumbley opened fire at Oxford High School in Oakland County, Michigan, and killed four of his classmates with his father's 9mm Sig Sauer SP2022 pistol. Crumbley, a sophomore at the school, is now being charged as an adult after prosecutors were "confident" they could prove the crime was premeditated. He is reportedly facing 24 counts, including four counts of first-degree murder, seven counts of assault with intent to murder, one count of terrorism, and 12 counts of possession of a firearm. However, Crumbley's attorney entered a not guilty plea when he was arraigned before a judge on Wednesday, December 1

As police investigate the multiple threatening messages left at schools and social media, classes will be canceled until next week. The Troy school district sent a notice to parents that the school was closed for Thursday, December 2. Holly Schools announced they will be off for the remainder of the week owing to "multiple reports of a potential shooting threat on social media," the district said in a statement. "At this point, our police department has deemed the threat not credible due to a lack of evidence. But given the extraordinary circumstances, we would like to take the next two days to ask our community to please share any information regarding any threats with school administration or the Holly police department at (248) 858-4911," the statement added. Social workers are also being made available throughout the week for students and teachers who may need counseling following the tragic shooting.

Meanwhile, a senior at Southfield's alternative high school was reportedly arrested on campus with a weapon on Wednesday, December 1. There were no injuries and the weapon was confiscated from the student by a police school resource officer at the Southfield Regional Academic Campus on Evergreen.

Southfield district released a statement saying it is "actively working with the Southfield Police Department and Oakland County Tactical Response Unit to ensure Southfield Public Schools remains abreast of current best practices and professional training." The statement added, "Given yesterday’s tragedy in a neighboring community, the Southfield Police Department has increased their presence at all school locations. To continue to support the safety of our students and staff, we will be providing additional social worker support throughout the remainder of the week. Those needing more individualized support will be connected with our mental health partners."