Police said Monday, April 20, they are continuing their criminal investigation into a reported threat of violence against Newtown High School, interviewing multiple suspects and multiple witnesses in seeking to learn more. The particular nature of that threat was unclear.

Police Sergeant Aaron Bahamonde said, “We are actively pursuing all leads, and several officers are part of this investigation.”

Police will investigate the case to its conclusion in seeking to keep students safe now and in the future, he said.

Police have taken steps to prevent any incident from occurring at the school and have increased their visibility there as a deterrent, he said.

“We feel we’ve eliminated any potential immediate threat…We feel confident that all the schools are safe,” he added.

Sgt Bahamonde declined to describe the nature of the threat of violence.

The sergeant said that police learned of the threat on the morning of Friday, April 17. Local schools were not in session from April 13 through 17, as that week was a spring vacation.

In an April 20 e-mail message sent to the parents and guardians of NHS students, NHS Principal Lorrie Rodrigue wrote, “I wanted to update you on an issue that occurred over the spring break that was brought to the attention of the Newtown Police and Newtown High School security.”

“Rumors about a potential safety threat to the high school were investigated and found to be unwarranted,” she wrote.

“When a group of students were overheard discussing issues that had the potential to impact school safety, concerned students (who we applaud), made sure that this information was reviewed by local authorities,” Ms Rodrigue added.

“We want to assure you that we are confident that staff and students are safe at Newtown High School,” she said.

“In the future, I want to commend and encourage any student who brings forward information that continues to contribute to the safety, security, and welfare of all members of our school community,” Ms Rodrigue wrote.

The school system has instituted a detailed set of security measures for the schools following the December 14, 2012, shootings at Sandy Hook Elementary School.