MPD investigates St. Joe social media threats

Though law enforcement has determined there is no active threat, two students at a local Catholic school have been removed from school in relation to social media posts, authorities say.

Madison police Captain Kevin Newman said the investigation, which is ongoing, involves potential threats made by students on social media to St. Joseph Catholic School.

“The school and police department have determined there is no active threat against the Saint Joseph Catholic School or other facilities at this time,” Newman said. “Due to confidentiality laws related to juveniles, no information related to the identity of the students involved will be released.”

Dr. Dena Kinsey, principal of St. Joseph Catholic School, said Wednesday afternoon, “Yesterday, I was made aware of an improper social media post. The incident was immediately addressed. We do not feel there is any threat to our students or faculty, but we are continuing to be vigilant and observant. The safety of all souls on campus is always a top priority.” 

On Tuesday, April 11, 2023, the Madison Police Department began an investigation into a social media post by a male student at the Saint Joseph Catholic School in Madison. 

The post involved a generalized threat that was not directed toward any particular individual, person or facility. Since that time, the student has been removed from the school by the school administration and the investigation is ongoing, Newman said.

Subsequently, on Wednesday, April 12, a female student also made a similar post on social media. She has since also been removed from the school by school administrators. 

“This investigation into this incident is also ongoing,” Newman said.