Several threats made to Hamilton schools since Uvalde shooting: police
Published June 1, 2022 at 4:19 pm
Hamilton Police say they’re investigating “several threats” made recently to elementary and secondary schools throughout the city.
The threats involve written messages on bathroom stalls and have taken place over the last few days, according to police.
Experts have studied the phenomenon known as the “Columbine Effect,” in which highly publicized school shootings appear to inspire similar threats or incidents.
On May 24, 2022, 21 students and teachers were killed by a gunman at Robb Elementary School in Texas.
In an official media release, Hamilton Police say it recognizes “the importance of school safety and how a threat of this nature can be difficult for students, staff and their families.”
Police say they’re taking the investigation “extremely seriously” and will continue to work closely with the school boards to help identify the individuals responsible and lay the appropriate criminal charges.
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The events in Texas prompted the Canadian government to introduce new firearms-control legislation this week.
Hamilton Mayor Fred Eisenberger is among the many supporters of the bill.
With very limited exceptions, the legislation would put a national freeze on importing, buying, selling, or otherwise transferring handguns.
It includes the automatic removal of gun licences from people who commit domestic violence or engage in criminal harassment, such as stalking.
The legislation would also create a “red flag” law allowing courts to require that people considered a danger to themselves or others surrender their firearms to police.
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