FAIRFIELD, CT - On September 13, 2024, Fairfield Public Schools alerted portions of the school community to potential student activity at SeptemberFest at Assumption Church. The school district reported that a group of students might be planning to meet at the event with the intent to engage in a physical altercation, based on information discovered through social media. While the situation did not directly involve school property, the Fairfield Police Department immediately launched a joint investigation with the school district to ensure the safety of students and the community.

 

The same day the district notified families, the Fairfield Police School Safety Unit, Detective Bureau, and the FBI’s New Haven Field Office began investigating the social media post to determine its credibility and the individuals involved. The threat was quickly assessed as non-credible, meaning there was no immediate danger to the public. However, to reassure the community and as a precaution, the Fairfield Police Department increased its presence in the area and developed a comprehensive action plan to monitor the situation over the weekend of SeptemberFest.

 

Over the next few days, detectives continued to work diligently, examining evidence and gathering information. By September 24, 2024, the Fairfield Police School Safety Unit had successfully identified the individual responsible for creating the post. Evidence confirmed that the post originated from a middle-school-aged student within the Fairfield School District and was meant as a hoax. The student was subsequently arrested. Due to the suspect’s age, their identifying information will not be released, and the Fairfield School District is following its disciplinary procedures in response to the incident.

 

The Fairfield Police Department wants to make it clear that any threats or dangerous behavior, regardless of intent, are taken very seriously. Such actions are not only illegal but also disrupt the safety and well-being of the entire community. Anyone found responsible or complicit in these activities—whether by creating, sharing, reposting, or otherwise perpetuating threats of violence—will be held accountable by both law enforcement and the school district. It is important to recognize that even those who do not initiate these threats but choose to participate in spreading or amplifying them can face severe consequences.

 

“We understand that situations like these can cause concern, and we want to assure the public that our officers acted swiftly and thoroughly from the initial report to the conclusion of the investigation,” said Chief Robert Kalamaras. “We encourage students, parents, and community members to remember that any involvement in creating or perpetuating these threats can lead to arrest and disciplinary action, regardless of the original intent. Schools and public spaces must remain safe havens for our children and residents. The Fairfield Police Department will continue to utilize every resource at our disposal to ensure the safety and security of our community.”

 

We encourage parents and guardians to speak with their children about the consequences of such actions and to monitor their social media usage. Community cooperation is a crucial element in maintaining safety and security. We thank the public for their continued support and vigilance in reporting any suspicious activity.