Schools receive bomb threats

A number of Ohio school districts received bomb threats over the weekend, including some locally, but school and law enforcement officials believe the threats are not credible. According to a release from the Ohio Schools Public Relations Association, there was a series of emails allegedly originating from a Russian terrorist organization sent to districts across Ohio threatening the use of bombs. The agency, based on input from Ohio Homeland Security, said it appeared to be a part of a "swatting" campaign, a type of hoax where suspects report false threats to elicit a police response. "These threats mirror similar incidents that occurred in Texas school districts last Friday, which were investigated and found to be non-credible," the release states. The FBI said it is aware of the threats and taking them seriously, according to a release from the agency. "While we have no information to indicate a specific and credible threat, we will continue to work with our local, state and federal law enforcement partners to gather, share and act upon threat information as it comes to our attention," FBI spokeswoman Kimberly Schwarting said. "We urge the public to remain vigilant and report any and all suspicious activity and/or individuals to law enforcement immediately. Even with evidence to support the emails being a part of a swatting campaign or hoaxes, Ohio schools are still taking the threats seriously. On Sunday, Sandusky Schools shared that it had received one of the threatening emails. In response, district officials turned to the Sandusky police. There was an investigation, and no threat was detected. The district hosted normal classes on Monday with an increased police presence. Edison Schools contacted all three law enforcement agencies that have jurisdiction over the district and are connecting with other area school districts. Edison is also operating as normal with an increased police presence. Old Fort took a similar approach by contacting the Seneca County Sheriff's Office. The school said there is an increased presence of the department within its schools and the sheriff had done a sweep of the buildings. Clyde-Green Springs Schools had not received an email indicating a threat but had still decided to take some precautions. The school's resource officers and administrators are on high alert today. Norwalk Schools and New London Schools also reported receiving threats. Perkins Schools also did not receive an email but is still taking precautions as if they had. There will be extra police patrolling the schools. Huron Schools shared there will be a heightened police presence today. The same goes for Sandusky Central Catholic School. Local schools have also shared phone numbers the community could reach out to with any information. Old Fort shared a phone number from the Ohio School Safety Center which has an anonymous reporting system through the state's Safer School Tip Line. The phone number is 1-844-723-3764 Perkins Schools directed questions to its building principals and the Board Office at 419-625-0464 during normal hours today. Sandusky Schools said those with questions or concerns could direct them to the school district by calling 419-626-6940. Editor's note: Brian Gott contributed reporting.