Bishop McGann-Mercy

Police presence expected at McGann-Mercy following threat

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The Bishop McGann-Mercy campus will be open as usual Monday, but students can expect to see a police presence following a threatening email the school received last week, principal Carl Semmler announced in a recorded message sent to parents Sunday. 

Mr. Semmler said police are still actively investigating the emailed threat, which the school received Friday.

“The Riverhead Police Department, superintendent’s office and office of general counsel were immediately notified and an investigation was promptly initiated and the building was inspected by the police and school officials,” Mr. Semmler said of last week’s email. “While the investigation will be ongoing, the progress of the investigation has led to the decision to hold school tomorrow, Monday April 4.”

Mr. Semmler added that all buildings will be searched prior to classes by police and school officials.

“As has been done in the past during special times, school back packs may be randomly searched upon entering,” Mr. Semmler said in his message to parents. “We will continue to be vigilant in ensuring the safety of each member of the McGann-Mercy community. Your sons and daughters are of utmost importance to us.”

The school received a series of threats last year, including one which led to the felony arrest and expulsion of a 17-year-old student who left a note on school property informing the school of a bomb threat.

That student was not linked to a series of other threats the school received by telephone in 2015.

Caption: Students being evacuated from McGann-Mercy High School in January 2015. (Credit: Tim Gannon)

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