Statement on High School Threats Issued by Mayor

Beverly, MA - Mayor Michael Cahill issued the following statement following the dismissal of students at Beverly High School due to overheard threats on Friday:

Beverly Police received a call that inappropriate comments had been overheard in a conversation among teens at a local business. It was determined that these comments could be construed as a potential threat against the high school, and Beverly Police immediately commenced an investigation.

While we believe this potential threat is most likely not credible, we cannot take chances with the safety of our kids, and we have therefore closed Beverly High School for the day. Students and staff were dismissed without incident. For that, we want to thank all our students, faculty and families for their cooperation.

The high school has since been swept and secured by Massachusetts State Police and the Beverly Police Department. The police investigation is ongoing.

City and school officials are working with the Beverly Police Department to ensure our students' safety moving forward, and we plan to reopen Beverly High School on Monday.