As police investigate allegations that a student threatened to shoot up a school in Milton, Massachusetts, a parent is questioning administrators' handling of the situation.
A woman whose daughter attends Fontbonne Academy, an all-girl Catholic prep school, tells NBC10 Boston she does not think the school took the threat seriously enough.
WATCH ANYTIME FOR FREE
 |
Stream NBC10 Boston news for free, 24/7, wherever you are. |
The mother, who did not want to show her face, says she called the school three weeks ago, hoping something would be done immediately. It wasn't until she called police on her own Monday that action was taken.
Milton police confirmed that was the first they heard of the alleged threat.
Get updates on what's happening in Boston to your inbox. Sign up for our News Headlines newsletter.
"The kids were in harm's way," the woman said.
She told NBC10 Boston the student made verbal threats "to shoot up the school, and to harm the students, as well."
The woman says she called the school April 11, before school vacation, and was shocked to learn the student was at school the first day back, allegedly making more threats.
Local
In-depth news coverage of the Greater Boston Area.
"I was very, very upset," she said.
She feared the student would retaliate after being questioned by the school.
"Even if she didn't have a firearm, couldn't get hold of one, she could have brought a knife with her," the woman said.
Milton police say they were made aware of the threats Monday night and have since interviewed students, staff and a person of interest.
The following day, parents received an email from the school.
"It is important to emphasize that, after the initial investigation, there was no imminent or credible threat to any student or faculty member of the Fontbonne community," the school said in the email. "We continue to partner with the police."
The student has been suspended pending a police investigation.
Meanwhile, the mother who spoke with NBC10 Boston worries the student will return to Fontbonne.
"You don't know what's going to happen in the future now that she knows she's being investigated," she said.
The mother says other parents are also upset, but are afraid to speak out.
Milton police initially said no charges had been filed but noted that could change during their investigation.
Police confirmed to NBC10 Boston on Saturday night that they had filed paperwork charging the student accused of the school shooting threats. The girl will appear in juvenile court to determine probable cause in the criminal complaint.
