Copiague High School received a threat via phone this morning that prompted the school to temporarily evacuate its occupants, Suffolk police say.

The threat came around 7:30 a.m.

Police searched the building and deemed it safe. High school students were dismissed for the day.

A letter from Principal Andrew Lagnado confirmed that a threat was also made against Copiague Middle School on social media. It said in part:

“The situation is being handled by the police and the person who made the threat is being questioned and will not be in school. School will be open for regular instruction and we are cooperating fully with law enforcement.”  

Suffolk police say they arrested a 13-year-old male student who posted on a social media group chat that “if school was in session on October 24, he would shoot teachers and students at Copiague Middle School.”

They say the post was shared by students and a parent notified the school, who then called police.

The teen was charged with making a threat of mass harm and will be arraigned in Family Court at a later date.

Police say the incidents at the high school and middle school are not related.