2 weeks Ago By NonStop Local Staff
UPDATE: September 20 at 9:17 a.m. Blackfeet Law Enforcement Services posted on Facebook that they were made aware of another social media threat.
" There is no information at this time to support any credibility to this post, or that it originated from our area. This is also not a specific threat to any of Browning Public Schools," said Chief Keller in the post. BLES wants to remind parents that social media monitoring starts in the home and to be aware of social media trends.
Keller says right now there is a national "challenge" for student to make threats via social media. BLES says whether the threats are real or fake, they are committed to working with Browning Public Schools to ensure the safety of all students. UPDATE: September 18 at 7:02 p.
m. Blackfeet Law Enforcement Services announced Wednesday evening that after some coordination with Browning Public Schools, BLES will continue to follow their current safety plan following recent threats made against Browning Middle School. Chief Keller of BLES stated in a Facebook post that there will be continued police presence in and around the schools for the rest of this week to ensure the safety and comfort of students, parents, and faculty.
BLES will also be in attendance at BPS sporting events as well. Earlier in the day on Wednesday, Chief Keller announced there would be a noticeable presence of police agencies around BPS schools. BLES was supported by agencies including tribal departments such as BLES, Homeland Security, Blackfeet Tribal Internal Affairs Officers, Blackfeet Fish and Wildlife Game Wardens, a Blackfeet Land Enforcement Officer, and the Glacier County Sheriff’s Office.
" We want students and staff to feel safe and comfortable in the days to come. Please notify the BLES Dispatch Center at 406-338-4000 if you notice anything out of the ordinary," said Chief Keller. UPDATE: September 17 at 8:50 p.
m. BROWNING, Mont. – Browning Public Schools will remain open with enhanced security measures on Wednesday, September 18, following recent threats made against Browning Middle School students and staff.
Superintendent Rebecca Rappold confirmed in a Facebook statement , that all the schools in the district will stay open on Wednesday under Lockout Procedures, in coordination with Blackfeet Law Enforcement. All Browning Public Schools, including Browning Middle School, will be open on Wednesday, September 18, 2024, with additional security measures in place. The enhanced security follows new information received from law enforcement.
In a statement from Blackfeet Law Enforcement Services, authorities with BLES said that they have made advancements in the investigation but are facing challenges due to a lack of cooperation from involved parties. This has required more time-consuming measures to gather necessary information. BLES assured the public of their commitment to resolving the matter quickly and thoroughly.
They emphasized the need for transparency while maintaining the integrity of the case, which limits the specifics they can share at this time. "We understand that stress and anxiety are high right now. We ask that you remain patient and allow us time to ensure we have adequate information to secure a conviction on those involved," said BLES.
Sign up to get our free daily email of the biggest stories! The safety of students and staff remains the main priority for BLES as they collaborate with Browning Public Schools on a safety plan that allows students to attend classes in person. Superintendent Rappold thanked the community for their cooperation during the lockout on Tuesday. "We extend our gratitude to everyone for supporting our efforts to keep students and staff safe by following proper protocols and procedures today during our Lockout procedures.
During hours of school operation all exterior doors will remain secure & closed. No one will be allowed to enter/exit the building. Please contact the building offices or district administration office if you have questions or concerns.
" Rappold also thanked parents and guardians who chose to keep their children home and reminded them to communicate directly with the child's school about their absence. Student absences will be classified as Special Circumstance absences during this period. The statement concluded by thanking the community for their understanding and cooperation, emphasizing the ongoing priority of student and staff safety.
The Browning Middle School will be closed today, Tuesday, in the midst of several threats made to students and teachers at the school, Superintendent Rappold announced on the school's Facebook page. UPDATE: September 17 at 7:03 a.m.
The Browning Middle School will be closed today, Tuesday, in the midst of several threats made to students and teachers at the school, Superintendent Rappold announced on the school's Facebook page. Rappold reported law enforcement has been able to identify a person involved in making the threats on Monday, however, come Monday night as staff was phoning home to parents, Rappold said two additional threats with lists identifying students were made. Blackfeet Law Enforcement has moved forward with separate investigations on these newest threats.
"Due to these unresolved threats related to a potential school shooting incident, Browning Middle School will be closed on Tuesday, September 17, 2024 for the safety of our students, staff, and community. We are taking these threats seriously and are working closely with local authorities and parents/guardians to ensure the situation is handled in a manner to ensure the safety of all," Rappold said. At this time, the middle school is the only one closing today.
BPS told NonStop Local no further information will be released at this time and the school is unable to say this morning if classes will resume Wednesday. Original coverage on September 16 at 4:02 p.m.
BROWNING, Mont. – Browning Public Schools Superintendent Rebecca Rappold announced a second threat to Browning Middle School on Monday. Superintendent Rappold sent out a message addressing the threat made on social media.
"Today the Browning Middle School received another threat regarding a school shooting incident. Today’s threat indicated September 26th as the date, as well as named students and staff who may be involved," Rappold stated. Rappold emphasized the district's commitment to safety, saying that the well-being of students and staff is their highest priority.
"Our district was made aware of the potential threat posted on social media this afternoon and Blackfeet Law Enforcement was contacted immediately. We are working with local law enforcement to assess and address the source and credibility of the threat and will provide more information as soon as it becomes available," she said. The district has activated its safety protocols through the BPS Emergency Operations Plan and will stay in a heightened state of alert until the situation is resolved.
"We understand that these types of threats do cause significant concern and anxiety for students, parents, and our community. At this time, all students are safe, and we are taking every precaution to keep our schools secure," Rappold added. Rappold encouraged parents to talk to their children about reporting any suspicious behavior to an adult, aiming to maintain a safe learning environment.
This follows a previous threat on September 12, which led to charges against an individual . For any concerns or questions, parents and community members can contact the district office or their school principal..
