The air in Coquitlam, B.C., has been thick with anxiety for days as a wave of threats has swept through its schools, forcing lockdowns and “hold and secure” protocols. For the third consecutive day, students, parents, and educators have been plunged into uncertainty, questioning the safety of educational environments that should be sanctuaries of learning. While police are calling many of these threats "unfounded," the persistent nature of these incidents begs a deeper, more critical examination. Are these isolated acts of disruption, or is something more insidious at play, designed to sow fear and strain resources?
A Cloud of Fear Descends
For three days straight, Coquitlam and surrounding areas have been on edge. What began as a specific threat against Centennial Secondary School on Wednesday afternoon has rippled outwards, affecting multiple schools across the Coquitlam School District. The timeline of events paints a picture of escalating concern:
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Wednesday: The first reports emerged around noon, with a threat against Centennial Secondary School. As the investigation unfolded, more alleged threats surfaced, impacting Glenayre Elementary School and others in Coquitlam and Port Coquitlam. Schools were placed into lockdown or "hold and secure" measures, with officers on scene, some even collaborating with the Lower Mainland Integrated Police Dog Service. By late afternoon, many of these protocols were lifted, with police deeming some threats unfounded.
Thursday: The unsettling pattern continued. While specific details from Thursday's events are less prominent in the initial reports, Article 5 confirms that another two schools were threatened on this day, adding to the unease.
Friday (Today): Coquitlam RCMP confirmed receiving additional reports of alleged threats on this third day, indicating no immediate end to the wave of disruption. The number of schools targeted on Friday remains undisclosed.
This repeated disruption, even if deemed "unfounded" by authorities, carries a significant toll. It diverts crucial police resources, erodes public trust, and most importantly, instills fear in young minds.
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The "Unfounded" Paradox: Why Does it Keep Happening?
The recurring declaration of "unfounded" threats by police is a central, and deeply troubling, aspect of this situation. While reassuring in one sense, it raises critical questions:
What constitutes an "unfounded" threat? Does it mean the threat was fake, a hoax, or simply that immediate danger wasn't detected?
If they are "unfounded," why are they persistent? Is there a single source orchestrating these events, or are these copycat incidents?
What is the psychological impact on students and staff when their schools are repeatedly shut down due to threats, even if later deemed not credible? Does the repeated exposure desensitize them, or heighten their anxiety?
Are current preventative measures sufficient? If these threats are originating online, what more can be done to identify and intercept them before they reach the schools?
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The experiences of Langley and Abbotsford over the weekend prior to the Coquitlam incidents offer a stark parallel. Paul Walker of the Abbotsford Police Department noted that a message circulating on social media and email indicated violence for April 7th at various schools. Despite police reassuring parents these threats were not credible, the messages still generated fear and anxiety. Similarly, Langley Mounties received multiple calls on Sunday about threats to schools and daycares.
This pattern suggests a broader trend of disruptive online communication targeting educational institutions across the Lower Mainland.
Lessons from Richmond: A Glimpse of Swift Action
While Coquitlam grapples with a multi-day crisis, the events in Richmond last October offer a potential, albeit different, model of response. After an alleged online threat of a shooting, the Richmond School District contacted the RCMP, who identified and arrested a youth that same day.
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| Incident Location | Date of Incident | Police Action | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| Richmond | October 2024 | Investigation, identification, arrest | Youth arrested, no further safety concerns |
| Coquitlam | April 2025 | Investigation, deployment, warnings | Repeated threats, many deemed "unfounded" |
While the circumstances may differ, the Richmond case highlights that decisive action is possible. The question for Coquitlam remains: why the prolonged period of disruption and repeated threats, and what are the specific challenges preventing a swift resolution?
"Such a threat is extremely serious and police want to assure the public they took every step to identify the suspect as quickly as possible." - Michael Cohee (regarding Richmond incident)
This statement from Richmond underscores the gravity with which such threats are typically treated. The sustained nature of the Coquitlam events raises questions about the complexity of the current threats or the methods being employed to address them.
Beyond "Unfounded": Examining the Motives and Methods
The consistent classification of these threats as "unfounded" raises more questions than answers.
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Are these sophisticated hoaxes designed to overwhelm emergency services? If so, who benefits from such a disruption?
What is the role of social media platforms? How are these messages circulating, and what responsibility do these platforms have in moderating or removing such content?
Could there be an underlying mental health crisis manifesting in these acts, or are they purely malicious in intent?
How are police resources being allocated and stretched thin by these repeated, albeit "unfounded," calls? What is the cost of this ongoing operational strain?
The sheer volume of calls intended to "generate a large police response," as noted by Sgt. Paul Walker regarding the Langley and Abbotsford incidents, suggests a deliberate strategy. Is this a test of our collective resilience, a digital-age form of psychological warfare targeting the education system?
The Road Ahead: Rebuilding Trust and Security
The Coquitlam school threat situation is far from over. As police continue to investigate, the community is left seeking clarity and reassurance.
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Transparency is paramount. A more detailed explanation of what "unfounded" truly signifies in these contexts would be beneficial.
Proactive engagement is crucial. Beyond reacting to threats, what long-term strategies are being implemented to prevent them and address the root causes? This could involve enhanced cybersecurity measures, digital literacy programs for students, and robust partnerships between schools, police, and mental health professionals.
Resource allocation must be scrutinized. Are current police staffing and technological capabilities sufficient to handle a surge of such incidents effectively?
The safety of our children is non-negotiable. While police assure the public that they are investigating, the repeated disruption in Coquitlam demands a more in-depth, critical analysis. The goal must be not just to resolve the immediate threats, but to understand the patterns, deter future incidents, and ultimately, restore a sense of security to our schools.
Sources:
CTV News Vancouver: RCMP investigating ‘unfounded’ threats at multiple schools around Coquitlam, B.C. (Published 2 days ago)
Link:
https://www.ctvnews.ca/vancouver/article/rcmp-investigating-unfounded-threats-at-multiple-schools-around-coquitlam-bc/Vancouver Sun: Lockdowns end at several Coquitlam schools after threats (Published 3 days ago)
Link:
https://vancouversun.com/news/several-coquitlam-schools-under-lockdown-wednesday-afternoonDaily Hive Vancouver: ‘Hold and secure’ lifted at multiple Coquitlam schools following threat reports | News (Published 2 days ago)
Link:
https://dailyhive.com/vancouver/coquitlam-schools-lockdownThe Star: Threats about violence at B.C. schools likely fake, police say (Published April 7, 2025)
Link:
https://www.thestar.com/news/canada/british-columbia/threats-about-violence-at-b-c-schools-likely-fake-police-say/article_eae54c11-fe69-5684-be6d-a48926775cca.htmlWinnipeg Free Press: Police say threats made against schools in Coquitlam, B.C., for third straight day (Published 10 hours ago)
Link:
https://www.winnipegfreepress.com/uncategorized/2026/02/06/police-say-threats-made-against-schools-in-coquitlam-b-c-for-third-straight-dayCBC News: Youth arrested after alleged school shooting threat in Richmond, B.C., police say (Published October 22, 2024)
Link:
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/school-threat-arrest-1.7359863Ground.news: Repeated threats shut down some schools in Coquitlam, B.C. (Published 3 days ago)
Link:
https://ground.news/article/threats-at-various-schools-around-coquitlam-bc-under-investigation-rcmp-say_3516a1
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