Tina McCoy, Superintendent
43 Harriman Hill Road
Raymond, NH 03077
For Immediate Release
Thursday, May 2, 2019
Media Contact: Jessica Sacco
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: jessica@jgpr.net
Raymond Middle School Student Reports Threat Made via Online Video Game
Angry Gamer Allegedly Threatened Violence at School
RAYMOND — Superintendent Tina McCoy and Police Chief Michael R. Labell report that Raymond School officials and the Raymond Police Department are investigating after an Iber Holmes Gove Middle School student reported to a teacher that he was threatened by a fellow gamer while playing Fortnite online.
A middle school boy reported to a teacher this morning that, while he and another middle school student were playing Fortnite last evening, another player who is unknown to them, became angry during the game and began making threats. The individual also threatened to find the students, harm them and commit a violent act at their school.
School officials immediately notified the Raymond Police Department, and an investigation was launched.
The protocols and procedures put in place in the event of a threat were followed. The Raymond Public Schools and the Raymond Police Department take all threats of violence seriously. At this time officials do not believe there is any danger to the school community.
Superintendent McCoy praised the student for coming forward.
“We tell our students ‘if you see something, say something,'” she said. “We take all threats and perceived threats seriously. The safety, security and well-being of our students comes first at all times.”
The suspect’s username was relayed to investigators, and police are working with the game and technology companies involved in Fortnite to quickly identify the suspect.
“The student in this instance did the right thing by reporting an unsettling incident to a trusted teacher,” Chief Labell said. “While we do not believe there is any danger, we are actively investigating this threat, and detectives are using the many resources at their disposal to identify this individual and ensure safety in our schools.”
###