South St. Paul Public Schools shifted to e‑learning on Wednesday after police said a 29‑year‑old man allegedly made a specific threat of violence targeting the district. The man later surrendered to officers and was taken into custody while investigators continued to dig into the reported threat.
Police: Suspect Surrendered
According to the South St. Paul Police Department, officers were alerted to an incident in St. Paul early Wednesday involving a man who allegedly issued a specific threat against South St. Paul Public Schools. By the time officers arrived, the man had left the scene, but around 10:30 a.m., he voluntarily walked into the South St. Paul Police Department and was taken into custody. Authorities have not disclosed how the threat was made or what was said, and they describe the investigation as ongoing, FOX 9 reports.
District Shifts Classes Online
With the school day approaching and little time to sort out how serious the threat might be, district officials moved Wednesday instruction online as a precaution. Per South St. Paul Public Schools, the district maintains e‑learning plans so classes can continue during emergency closures, and those existing procedures were put to work for the temporary shift.
Incident Follows South‑Metro Closures
The move in South St. Paul came just one day after Rosemount‑Apple Valley‑Eagan (District 196) closed schools on Tuesday because of threatening voicemails. District 196 says investigators ultimately determined those messages were not credible and that the FBI is handling the criminal case. An update from District 196 notes the earlier closures and the federal involvement.
What Officials Are Saying
School and law enforcement officials urged residents to stick with official district and police channels for verified information and to report any tips directly to authorities. As FOX 9 notes, early details about the threat and response came from the school district and the South St. Paul Police Department, which have both said more information will be released as the investigation continues.
Where To Get Updates
Officials asked anyone with information to contact the South St. Paul Police Department. The city's contact page lists non‑emergency phone numbers and the City Hall address for public inquiries. Parents are encouraged to monitor district and police communication channels for official notices and to follow up through their school's usual communication system if they have immediate concerns.
