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Updates on the 1/13 Montclair Public Schools Closure Due to Security Concern
Montclair Public Schools canceled due to a security concern that arose late the night before, January 12th, 2025. The alert that schools were canceled on Monday, January 13, 2025 came early that morning to the Montclair Schools alert system.
"Late yesterday evening, we were made aware of a potential threat to our district. Upon receiving this information, we immediately contacted the Montclair Police Department and have been closely following their guidance," Interim Superintendent Damen Cooper shared in the early morning statement.
He also shared that he is unable to share specific details regarding the specific threat.
Later on January 13th, the Montclair Police Department issued a press release with more information. The press release said:
The Montclair Police Department is aware of and actively investigating reported threats made to the Montclair School District.
On January 12, 2025, the Montclair Police Department received information regarding a potential threat to the safety of staff members and students in the Montclair School District. Preliminary investigation revealed the threat was made online via social media and was directed at a specific staff member at the Northeast Elementary School (603 Grove Street, Montclair). The Montclair Police Department immediately initiated an investigation into the matter. The MPD, in collaboration with the Montclair Board of Education, The Essex County Prosecutors Office, and the FBI, worked throughout the night to identify the source of the threat. As a precautionary measure, The Montclair Board of Education made the decision to close all schools in the Montclair School District today, Monday January 13, 2025. The Montclair Police have increased patrols around all schools in the district out of an abundance of caution.
As a result of the investigation, the suspect was identified as 45-year-old Amir Doctry, a staff member currently on Administrative Leave from the District. At approximately 8:00 AM on January 13, 2025, Doctry was located at a residence in Philadelphia, PA. He was placed into custody without incident. At this time, Doctry is being charged with Terroristic Threats with additional charges pending.
We would like to reassure the public that there is no further danger to our community. Our commitment to the safety of our schools, students, staff, and residents remains unwavering. We encourage parents, students, and staff to remain vigilant and report suspicious activity to the Montclair Police Department.
You can read the full press release here. This is all the information being released at this time, however, any questions may be directed to Lieutenant Terence Turner, at [email protected].
The Montclair Public School District provided an update on the situation via email at 12PM on Thursday, January 30th:
"I am writing to provide an update on the status of Amir Doctry, who was involved in a security incident in our District on Monday, January 13th. I received confirmation that Amir Doctry has been released from police custody in Pennsylvania pending court proceedings. While there is no current or expected threat to the safety of the Northeast School Community, we will continue to maintain our security presence at Northeast School and follow established safety protocols. Furthermore, the Montclair Police Department will be outside the building during arrival and departure and throughout the day.
I am aware that the status of Mr. Doctry may be of concern for members of the Northeast Community. I want to reassure you that I continue to work closely with the Montclair Police Department and am monitoring this situation to ensure that everyone’s safety is protected. My commitment to the safety of our staff and students remains my priority. I will continue to provide updates as new information becomes available."
Another update was sent out by the school district via email on Thursday, January 30th at 5:30PM:
"Dear Northeast Community,
I wanted to inform you that I received notice today that Amir Doctry, the former MPS employee involved in the January 13th security incident, is now in the custody of the Montclair Police Department. Additionally, the Montclair Police Department will maintain a presence outside the building during arrival, departure, and throughout the day.
Please be assured that any further updates will be shared as they become available."
Another update was sent out by the school district just after 6:45PM:
"Dear Northeast Community,
I want to provide some clarification to ensure everyone is on the same page. Amir Doctry turned himself in today to the Montclair Police Department and is currently in custody. There were no incidents. This update was provided by the Montclair Police Department.
Please rest assured that any further updates will be shared as they become available."
Amir Doctry will now remain jailed following his first court appearance in New Jersey, per Montclair Local. He appeared by teleconference in front of a Central Judicial Processing Court Judge in Essex County, where Assistant Prosecutor James Mullen said the state moved to keep Doctry jailed. Doctry will remain in jail pending a detention hearing scheduled for Wednesday, February 5th, where another judge will determine if he should be released before a March 14th predisposition conference.
A Superior Court Judge ruled on Wednesday, February 5th that Amir Doctry will again remain in jail, pending trail, per Montclair Local. The prosecution argued at the hearing that releasing Doctry would present “community safety concerns," with Superior Court Judge Lori Ellen Grifa agreeing and saying "There is no amount of bail, non-monetary conditions or combination of bail and non-monetary conditions that this court could impose that would reasonably ensure the defendant’s appearance in court when required."
This is a developing story. This post will be updated as more details become available.
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