Photo by Andrew Augustus
WPRO News and the Associated Press
PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) – Lawmakers from the three communities mentioned in an anonymous letter threatening to harm elementary school students plan to respond with legislation.
Democratic senators Hanna Gallo, Frank Lombardo III, Erin Lynch, Michael McCaffrey and William Walaska say they are crafting a bill that would set harsher penalties for anyone threatening physical harm to school children.
The bill would allow for a prison sentence of up to 20 years and a fine of up to $100,000.
A letter sent to police in Johnston Tuesday threated schools in that town, Cranston and Warwick. Police say the threat involved beheading. They say there’s no evidence it’s credible.
In response, police have stationed officers at every school.
Local police are working with state police, the FBI and postal inspectors to trace the letter.
