Rhode Island student tells bus monitor that he had a bomb in his backpack

A Rhode Island student understandable caused quite a stir on Monday.

According to Kenneth Duva, Superintendent, and Robert Mezzanotte Assistant Superintendent, on Monday morning, during arrival at school, a North Kingstown student stated to the bus monitor that he had a bomb in his backpack. Immediately all other students were removed from the school bus into the building where it was safe, a shelter in place was initiated, and the police were called. 

Upon police investigation, which included a search of the student’s backpack, it was determined that the student’s statement was false. There was no bomb in the student’s backpack.

Officials stated that punishment for the student will remain private.

“Please know that further consequences will be handled by school administration, as well as the NKPD. The next steps with the student are confidential. Our responsibility is to continue to maintain a safe school environment, and provide appropriate support to the student who made the threat, as well as any supportive responses to all other students.”

The officials also touched on the communication between the school department and police.

“This type of situation can certainly be unsettling. The North Kingstown School Department maintains a close relationship with local law enforcement and emergency response personnel. Communication remained constant throughout this situation, and there is no threat to any school in our district. It is important that we all have discussions with our children to stress the importance of being truthful and the seriousness of verbal and physical threats towards self and others. The safety of students and staff is, and always will be, our top priority.”