School Threat Update: Confusion Fueled Concern At Anne Arundel Campus

Last updated Friday at 2:31 p.m.

GAMBRILLS, MD — Rumors about a possible threat led a Gambrills Catholic school to cancel this Friday's classes, but the school was never in any danger. Officials now say misinformation, confusion and hearsay caused the stir.

School of the Incarnation said it decided to close Friday "out of an abundance of caution." Patch obtained copies of emails the school sent to families on Thursday and Friday.

"Late Thursday evening, the administration received more than 50 texts and phone calls from our community members sharing rumors they had heard and expressing their concern," the school's Friday email said. "Most of these messages relayed secondhand information-rumors about a possible threat to the school mixed with misinformation concerning a recent investigation and an unfounded rumor from earlier in the week. Though there wasn't a direct, credible threat issued to the school, we felt it was necessary to assess what we were hearing and make a decision to ensure the safety and well-being of our campus community."

The school said it "immediately conferred with the Archdiocese Department of Catholic Schools who were already aware of the previously non-credible rumor."

"Together we made the decision to close the campus on Friday to ensure that the rumors were not a newly alleged threat," the school said. "We also reported this information to law enforcement. Please know that although the information we received was unconfirmed and based on hearsay, our top priority is always the safety and well-being of our students and staff."

School of the Incarnation said the investigation "determined there is not, nor was there ever a credible threat to the school or its community."

"We are grateful to the Anne Arundel Police Department for their prompt support in helping us clarify and dispel these rumors," the school said.

The Anne Arundel County Police Department's Office of Homeland Security & Intelligence is investigating "the origins of the perceived, uncorroborated threats circulating on social media," county police spokesperson Justin Mulcahy told Patch in a Friday email.

"At this time, investigators have found no known credible threat to the school, its students, or its staff," Mulcahy said.

The Archdiocese of Baltimore called it an "unfounded rumor that was fully investigated."

"There was never a credible threat to the school, but the school decided to close as a precautionary measure to prioritize the safety and peace of mind of our students and families," archdiocese spokesperson Christian Kendzierski told Patch in a Friday email.

In its Thursday email, School of the Incarnation thanked families for their "understanding and support as we prioritize the well-being of everyone in our school community."

"There is no confirmed danger. However, the safety of our students, staff, and community is our highest priority, and we are taking this matter seriously," the school said Thursday.

School activity resumes Monday with the scheduled parent-teacher conferences. Students return for class on Tuesday.