Plainfield to hold community forum regarding threats
Officials from multiple law enforcement agencies and city government will hold a community forum at Plainfield High School Jan. 19 to address recent online threats made against the school and community.
A statement released by Plainfield Police Department Caption Jill Lees said the forum will allow people to ask questions and share their concerns about the threats, which first surfaced on the night of Dec. 16.
"Of course, it is very likely that there will be topics that we won’t be able to discuss, but we hope the forum will provide some overall answers and reassurances," the statement said.
The initial anonymous Facebook threats that targeted Plainfield High School began last month. They were rambling, violent and graphic, and named a specific student. In response, classes were canceled for all schools in the district on the last day before winter break.
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After classes were canceled, new Facebook posts threatened stores and movie theaters in Plainfield, causing the Shops at Perry Crossing and the movie theater there to be evacuated Dec. 18.
The person making threats was not active for much of winter break, until he or she created a new Facebook account Saturday night, threatening violence when students returned to school.
Since school has been back in session, Lees said police have had a stronger presence in the area.
On Jan. 5, Plainfield residents watched federal, state and local law enforcement officials search homes and question subjects in connection to the incidents, but officials from the FBI, U.S. Attorney's office and Plainfield police could not provide specific details about the police activity that took place.
Members of the media are invited to attend the forum, but will not be permitted to ask questions or record audio and video.
Community Forum on Online Threats
When: Tuesday, Jan. 19
Time: 6 p.m.– 7:30 p.m.
Where: Auditorium, Plainfield High School, 1 Red Pride Drive, Plainfield
Call IndyStar reporter Michael Anthony Adams at (317) 444-6123. Follow him on Twitter: @MichaelAdams317.