Bayport-Blue Point Reacts to Terror Threat

State and federal authorities are dealing with an apparent terrorist threat against New York State institutions that made a reference to attacking school buses, authorities confirmed.

The threatening email, received by state officials on April 1, was released to Long Island school districts Tuesday. The email makes specific threats of violence to state office buildings, the state Legislature and school buses.

Few students are transported by bus in the district, according to Bayport-Blue Point Superintendent Dr. Anthony Annunziato, but he emphasized that these threats must be taken seriously.

"We informed the contracted bus companies that we use of the threat," Annunziato said. "We are in the process of notifying the parents of the children who do ride the buses."

Information on this issue is set to post on the school district website at some point Wednesday, Annunziato said.

UPDATE: At approximately 1:45 p.m. on Wednesday, Annunziato received a letter from the State Education Department explaining the state's current stance on the threatening email. Here is an excerpt:

According to the New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services (DHSES) – State Office of Counter Terrorism (www.security.state.ny.us), although law enforcement authorities are treating this threat seriously and continue to investigate, they are not considering this a credible threat at this time.

Here is the first email from the state:

All New York State schools received the following notice from the State Education Department on Tuesday.

“On Friday, April 1, a threatening email was sent from an unknown email account to members of the media and various state officials. The email references threats of violence in state office buildings, against the state legislature and a specific reference to school buses. The New York State Police, the State Office of Counter Terrorism, Federal Bureau of Investigation and other officials are devoting their resources to this matter and are working with other law enforcement agencies. We encourage all drivers and attendants to be watchful for unknown individuals or any suspicious or unusual behavior along their routes or at bus stops as well as individuals approaching the school bus. Drivers should be particularly strict about unknown or unauthorized individuals attempting to board the school bus. If you or your transportation team witness or observe any behavior or individuals of concern or suspicion, you should report same by calling the state’s toll free hotline at 1-866-SAFENYS or 1-866-723 3697.”