District Confirms Desert Sunrise Student Threat Was Alarmingly Real

A Desert Sunrise High School student made a threat that prompted district administrators to alert parents on Thursday, giving them the option to remove their children from classes.

“Maricopa Unified School District takes all threats seriously,” stated MUSD spokesperson Mishell Terry. “Even if made in jest, a threat warrants a full and thorough investigation.”

The school district will follow its established disciplinary matrix to decide the appropriate actions, which could include expulsion. Additionally, students who violate state law could face prosecution.

The student may be charged with “interference with or disruption of an educational institution” for making the threat.

“The investigation is ongoing and the District is fully cooperating with the Maricopa Police Department,” Terry added, while declining to provide specific details due to the pending investigation and concerns about spreading “unfounded concerns.”

Both the Maricopa Police Department and the Maricopa Unified School District are committed to a thorough and effective investigation, Terry emphasized.

MUSD is aware that preventing future incidents requires a cooperative approach involving parents, law enforcement, and the school community, Terry mentioned.

The staff at MUSD are dedicated to fostering relationships with students to ensure they are comfortable reporting any troubling behavior or information. “Our message is clear: If you see something, say something. An anonymous tipline is available at musd20.org/tipline,” Terry said.

Students are routinely reminded about the seriousness of making or sharing threats, even in jest, Terry explained.

The consequence of such behavior can be severe, including expulsion and criminal prosecution, Terry cautioned. Parents are urged to have open conversations with their children about the serious repercussions of making threats.

The incident led MUSD Superintendent Tracey Lopeman to email parents, informing them that they could choose to remove their children from school if they felt it necessary.

Classes continued on Thursday after the threat was deemed not credible and the investigation by MPD and federal investigators proceeded.