'Kill List' Was At Heart Of Ridgewood High School Threat: Police

RIDGEWOOD, NJ — Whlie rumors of a threat to Ridgewood High school have circulated for years, a specific threat that drew a police response to the school on Monday involved a "kill list" for Monday's date, officials said.

Ridgewood Police Chief Forest Lyons and Superintendent of Schools Mark Schwart released a letter to the community late on Monday to explain the police presence at the high school during classes.

The letter followed up a more vague missive that Schwarz had sent on Monday morning, saying that rumors of a "potential threat" at Ridgewood High School have been circulating for years, but were unfounded.

The rumors had pertained to a supposed student who planned to "shoot up" the school on his 18th birthday. But Schwarz wrote in his letter, "These rumors have been circulating for some time and have been, and will continue to be, thoroughly monitored and investigated ... we have determined that there is no credible threat against any of our schools. We will continue to investigate the origins of these rumors."

Later on Monday, Schwarz and Lyons said that a "kill list" circulated on social media, in connection with the rumors, was traced to a group of students who will be dealt with.

They said it had no factual basis and turned out to be a "misguided prank."

Second Letter

Schwarz and Lyons' letter said, "We are writing to provide follow-up information regarding the joint investigation conducted by the Ridgewood Public Schools and the Ridgewood Police Department into recent reports and rumors of potential school violence at RIdgewood High School.

"These rumors alleged that a student had developed a plan to commit a school shooting on Monday, April 7, and had circulated a so-called 'kill list'identifying intended targets. The widespread dissemination of these claims—along with an image of the alleged list on social media—understandably caused public concern."

They added, "Once the safety of our schools had been verified, district administrators and RPD officials worked throughout the day in close coordination to investigate all related reports, rumors, and allegations.

"Following a comprehensive investigation, we have determined that there is no factual basis for the claim that an RHS student planned or intended to commit an act of violence. The investigation further indicated that the list in question was not authored by the student named in the rumors. We have now confirmed that a different group of students has admitted to creating and distributing this list as a misguided prank. This action remains under investigation as a police matter and a school code of conduct matter."

The officials noted, "We regard the circulation of false information, the disruption of school operations, and any actions that cause public alarm as serious matters. While we are unable to share additional details due to confidentiality requirements, please be assured that appropriate accountability measures are being taken in accordance with school policy and the law.

"To be clear, there is no evidence of any current or credible threat to Ridgewood High School or any other Ridgewood Public School. We are grateful to those who responsibly brought information forward and remind all members of our school community: if you see or hear something, say something. Open communication and shared vigilance are essential to maintaining a safe and supportive learning environment for all."

Officials invited those with concerns to join Dr. Schwarz at the virtual Superintendent Coffee on Wednesday, April 9, at 7 p.m. Details are here.