Students at the St. Croix Educational Complex High School. Photo Credit: V.I. CONSORTIUM.
The V.I. Department of Justice (DOJ) and V.I. Police Department (VIPD), working with federal partners, have issued a strong statement denouncing the threats that targeted public schools in the St. Croix District earlier this week.
Attorney General Gordon C. Rhea and VIPD Commissioner Mario Brooks described the threats as “unacceptable,” making clear that the protection of students, teachers, and staff is paramount. “Threats of this nature are unacceptable, and we are outraged that anyone would attempt to put our children and school communities at risk,” they said in a joint statement. “The safety and well-being of students is our top priority. DOJ, VIPD, and federal partners are working tirelessly to identify and hold accountable those responsible."
The joint statement followed a week of heightened concern after all public schools in the St. Croix District were closed on Monday, August 25, out of an abundance of caution. As previously reported, the closures came after a racist bomb threat circulated on social media, in which the perpetrator explicitly threatened Black students and vowed to attack multiple campuses. The chilling message forced VIDE and law enforcement to order immediate islandwide closures while VIPD conducted searches across St. Croix.
Although no active threats were identified in the St. Thomas–St. John District, police still carried out precautionary sweeps at campuses there. St. John schools remained open.
By Tuesday, August 26, VIPD cleared all schools in St. Croix to reopen after thorough inspections were completed. Monitors returned to duty across the district, and security measures remain in place with support from federal agencies.
The DOJ confirmed that the investigation is active and ongoing. Officials are working with federal partners to determine the source of the threats and to pursue those responsible. “Updates will be provided as more information becomes available,” the department noted.
The closure of schools earlier this week was precautionary, and full operations have since resumed. But the DOJ and VIPD emphasized that they view the threats as a serious matter, pledging accountability and assuring parents and educators that protecting students remains their highest priority.
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