Statement from the Newport, RI Police Department:
At 10:10 A.M. this morning the Newport Police Department was notified by the Rhode Island State Police Wickford Barracks stating there was a threat to Rogers High School. This threat was relayed to the School Department and the evacuation process was initiated. It was later determined by the Newport School Department that school would be dismissed out of an abundance of caution.
The Newport Police Department in conjunction with Newport Fire, Newport Schools, Rhode Island State Police and Rhode Island Fire Marshalls office instituted a unified command system and began preparations to clear the school. Rogers High School and the grounds were searched extensively and there was no evidence of any suspicious devices. It should be noted that the school was cleared and reopened to staff at 1:30 p.m. This threat as with the other two is still being investigated but it is believed to be a hoax at this time and is similar in nature to the previous two made against the Newport School district. An increased police presence will continue as we remain committed to the safety of our schools.
The Newport Police Department is committed to keeping our schools safe and would like to reassure the public that at no time was any staff or students in any danger.
We will continue to investigate all such claims.
