?Local police, FBI and Department of Homeland Security continue to investigate a May 24 police report that persons unknown threatened a violent attack at the Mingus Union High School graduation ceremony Friday, May 27.
Despite the threat, MUHS Board of Governors voted unanimously to go forward with the cermony as planned with an increased police presence, Board President Jim Ledbetter announced following an executive session at the board’s regular meeting Thursday, May 26.
Ledbetter said Cottonwood police received a tip May 24 that someone was planning violence at the ceremony, but declined to describe the exact nature of the threat out of caution that it could impair the ongoing criminal investigation.
Police alerted Superintendent Tim Foist, who asked for the closed door session to discuss how the situation should be handled.
Following the executive session, Ledbetter read from a press release:
“Mingus Union High School has recevied a threat of violence that would occur at graduation. Multiple law enforcement agencies have been alerted. These agencies have determined the threat warrants caution. After detailed discussion with law enforcement and following careful consideration, the board has determined graduation will proceed as scheduled in the stadium. There will be increased law enforced presence at graduation. If students or parents choose not to attend graduation, they can pick up their diplomas on Tuesday, May 31, in the guidance counselor’s office. All board members will be in attendance at graduation.”
“Its’s a tragedy that this is the world we live in, but I’m encouraged by the board’s decision to move forward,” Ledbetter said after the meeting. “I dont think that anyone is necesasarily scared, it’s just that the safety of our students is our ultimate priority.”
