Press Releases

Rep. Becca Balint Statement on False Threats to Vermont High Schools

“Today, Vermont families were sent into panic and fear as false active shooter threats were made to high schools across the state. We now know, thanks to state law enforcement, that these threats were a hoax. As the parent of two Vermont students, I am disgusted by threats of violence to our schools. Like so many other parents today, I’m angry and I’m frustrated. As a former teacher, I am all too familiar with the training that students go through to be prepared if the unthinkable happens. But as we know, in 2023 there have been more mass shootings than days in the year. And the “unthinkable” happens every day in this country. We cannot allow ourselves to become numb to our gun violence epidemic. We cannot allow our students to live in fear in their schools.

“It’s easy to feel hopeless and desensitized to this kind of violence. But we can end gun violence. We can create a safer world for our children. And that begins with common sense gun safety measures. I helped pass Vermont’s first gun safety laws and I will continue to fight to end gun violence. 

“Today’s events were yet another reminder that gun violence touches everyone and we cannot stop until everyone is safe. My office will continue to monitor the situation closely and is in touch with state law enforcement.”