Clifton High School student arrested for making violent threats

Clifton High School student arrested for making violent threats
High School hallway - Photo by Melissa Evanko

CLIFTON, N.J. — A 17-year-old Clifton High School student has been arrested and charged after making multiple violent threats against the school, staff, and students, authorities said.

Between January 27 and January 29, four incidents were reported in which detailed electronic threats were received, including bomb threats, school shooting threats, and death threats against specific individuals. The threats triggered heightened security measures, school disruptions, and large-scale law enforcement responses.

Following an extensive investigation, detectives identified the student as the source of the threats. He was taken into custody at the school on February 3 and charged with 14 counts of terroristic threats and six counts of false public alarm. A judge ordered him to be temporarily detained at the Essex County Juvenile Detention Center.

Police are also investigating similar incidents from last year, with additional charges expected. The Clifton Police Department’s Juvenile Division is leading the investigation with assistance from the Passaic County Sheriff’s Office Internet Crimes Against Children Unit and Clifton Public Schools officials.

Authorities continue to examine whether the suspect was involved in other threats as they work to ensure the safety of students and staff.