On April 7, 2025, the Abbotsford School District and local police responded to alarming online threats that circulated over the weekend, warning of potential violence at schools in the area. The threats, which included claims of bombs and an armed shooter, were quickly investigated and deemed not credible.
According to a statement from Abbotsford School District Superintendent Sean Nosek, the district became aware of a serious online threat that had been circulating among students and parents over the previous 24 hours. In an email sent to district personnel and families, Nosek emphasized, "We take any such threat with the utmost seriousness and immediately involved the Abbotsford Police Department (APD)." He added that the APD found no evidence to suggest the threat was credible, stating, "Based on their review, we are confident there is no known risk to our schools, students, or staff." The safety of students and staff remains the district's top priority.
The threats originated from a mass email and social media posts that were sent out on Sunday, April 6, 2025. The messages claimed that an individual named “Havard,” who identified himself as being of Indian origin, would target local schools with firearms, including an AR-15. The email stated, "I will be armed with an AR-15 that I have gotten snuck into from the US as well as many other firearms. I have also placed multiple devices around each and every school included in this email that will go off accordingly." The sender also threatened to livestream the attack.
In addition to this email, a second anonymous social media post circulated, claiming that bombs had been placed in Abbotsford Senior Secondary from the first to the third floor. These messages understandably sparked fear within the community, prompting swift action from local authorities.
Sgt. Paul Walker of the Abbotsford Police Department addressed the situation during a press conference on Monday morning. He reiterated that investigators have determined the threats are not real and that there is no risk to students. Walker stated, "I want to stress again that there is no credible threat that we have been able to determine of violence today in our school system." He noted that police were looking into connections between these online messages and a series of six 'swatting' incidents that occurred over the weekend, where false reports of violence were made to police.
Swatting is a dangerous practice that involves making a false report to police to elicit a large-scale response, often putting lives at risk. The Abbotsford Police Department had responded to numerous such calls over the weekend, which falsely claimed that violence was occurring, resulting in significant police resources being deployed.
In light of these threats, the school district implemented additional safety measures, including locking exterior doors and increasing supervision at all schools. Despite the heightened security, all schools remained open, and families were encouraged to make decisions that felt best for their children.
Langley RCMP also reported receiving multiple calls regarding similar threats targeting schools and daycares in their community. Both the Abbotsford and Langley police departments are collaborating to investigate the origins of these threats and ensure the safety of students and families.
As the investigation continues, police have reassured the public that they are taking the situation seriously. In a joint statement, both police departments emphasized, "Currently, there is no information to suggest that this threat is real, and investigators believe this incident is yet another swatting attempt." They pledged to keep the community informed of any developments regarding student safety.
The Abbotsford School District, in its communication with parents, reiterated its commitment to safety and transparency. The district's Safe Schools team is following established internal protocols to address the situation effectively. Superintendent Nosek's message underscored the importance of community vigilance and cooperation with law enforcement.
In conclusion, while the online threats caused significant concern among parents and students, local authorities have acted swiftly to assess and mitigate any potential risks. The cooperative efforts between the Abbotsford School District and law enforcement agencies highlight the community's commitment to ensuring a safe educational environment.
