It’s a concerning situation.
Parents were worried for their children as officers from the Guam Police Department and marshals from Guam Homeland Security responded to a “terroristic conduct complaint” around 10:20 a.m. on April 13 at Saint Anthony Catholic School in Tamuning.
At the Home of the Raiders, a note found at 10:20 a.m. by a staff member, alleged the possibility of violence on the Tamuning campus.
Concerned for the safety of students and employees, Saint Anthony Catholic School was placed on lockdown, and the Guam Police Department and Guam Homeland Security were notified of the “terroristic conduct complaint” and dispatched to the campus.
As law enforcement officials were assessing and conducting a precautionary sweep to ensure the safety of the students, faculty members and surrounding community, parents arrived at school grounds, questioning the state of their children.
While conducting the sweep, GPD notified Guam media that there was no active shooter.
This is the third time the Catholic school was placed on lockdown in the last three weeks, due to threats.
Also at the scene providing assistance, Tamuning-Tumon-Harmon Vice Mayor Albert Toves had a message for those behind the incidents.
“The only thing I have to say is whoever is doing all of this, give it up because it’s not healthy for anyone,” said Toves. “It is just interrupting everyone’s lifestyle. Just like any other mayor’s office, we are here to keep our community as safe as possible. For some reason the individual or individuals don’t want to give up on doing what he or she is doing but sooner or later they are getting caught or give up and leave people alone.”
A little after an hour of being on lockdown at 11:45 a.m. the all clear was declared by law enforcement and students were released at 12:30 p.m.
“Just pray for our school, pray for ourselves, and let’s just hope that this just stops,” an employee told parents waiting for their children.
GPD had no answers on whether a suspect has been identified or if notes were connected to previous incidents.
Officer Berlyn Savella, the spokesperson for GPD, said, “It would be a premature statement, the investigation is still open.”
While Saint Anthony Catholic School was on lockdown, neighbor: Tamuning Elementary School and L.B. Johnson Elementary School was in a modified shelter in place, meaning regular classes of instruction continued but campus was secured as gates were closed and classrooms locked, according to the Guam Department of Education.
GPD provided extra security during the time of the incident.
Meanwhile, Saint Anthony Catholic School will resume classes on April 14 as the campus was deemed safe to return, according to its administration.
Counseling services are available to students, faculty, and staff.
Moreover, the Raiders will host a Zoom meeting for its community, which is scheduled for 11:30 a.m. on April 15.
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