The Galesburg Police Department has become aware of the viral nationwide social media posts regarding threats of violence at schools on Friday, December 17, 2021. These posts have been circulating throughout the entire nation. We have no information that there is any credible threat to Galesburg area schools or students.
After the viral social media posts began to circulate, rumors started concerning specific threats in Galesburg. The Galesburg Police Department has followed up on each of these reports and has found no credible information of any danger posed to our schools or our children.
The Galesburg Police Department has been in constant contact with District #205 over this issue. Out of an abundance of caution, and as a means of making parents and families feel secure, there will be an increased presence of police officers in Galesburg schools tomorrow. We will have officers on-site at all Galesburg District #205 schools tomorrow when school begins.
All U.S. states have been getting the same social media messages and are dealing with the same issues. The Galesburg Police Department will continue to follow up on any and all information we receive and will do everything possible to ensure the safety of our schools, staff, and students in coordination with Galesburg District #205.
Chief Russell Idle
Galesburg Police Department