For Release: December 3, 2021
Contact: Tim Rutkowski, Huron County Prosecutor, (989) 269-9255
Huron County – This week, the country has been focused on the Oxford High School tragedy where a student killed four of his fellow students. Our thoughts are with those affected by this senseless event. There have been 29 school shootings in the United States in 2021; while many unanswered questions remain the Oxford school shooting, sadly, school threats are not uncommon. It is not unusual that threats are made to harm individuals at a school prior to a school shooting. More often, students make threats without an ensuing act of violence.
Unfortunately, threats to schools happen everywhere, including Huron County. Local law enforcement officers are seeing an increase in the number of investigations involving threats to students and schools. “The message from this office is clear: We will not tolerate threats of violence towards students or schools. Any such activity is a crime that this office takes very seriously,” said Prosecutor Rutkowski. “School threats create significant emotional harm for the students and teachers and they impact a school’s primary obligation—for being a place of learning.”
Prosecutor Rutkowski noted that the Michigan Legislature enacted the charge of Making an Intentional Threat to Commit an Act of Violence Against School Property, Students, or School Employees.
“That felony charge means that a person could face up to 10 years in prison,” said Mr. Rutkowski. “I will not hesitate to use the full authority of this office to hold these individuals accountable for their actions.”
Prosecutor Rutkowski continued, “My heart goes out to the families of the victims and the entire Oxford community. This is a tragedy that no one should have to endure. We will use all means at our disposal to make sure it does not happen here.”
