Lingering fears at Glenunga International High School as security remains, teen’s threat charges dropped
Parents remain on edge as police keep watch outside a school – where six months ago disturbing threats were sent – despite charges against the teen suspect being dropped.
A disturbing threats saga continues to haunt Glenunga International High School, with police patrols still in place six months on and parents worried the alleged culprit is still out there after charges against a teen were recently dropped.
At Wednesday’s early morning drop-off, parents waved their children through the gates under the watchful eye of a uniformed police officer pacing up and down the entrance.
For many families, the sight has become routine since the school was targeted with a series of chilling threats earlier this year.
The school allegedly received a series of emails which included threats to attack, bomb and boil students and staff between November 2024 and February 2025.
In response, security measures were put in place in February, including police and security patrols, extra cameras and bright orange bollards installed to protect the school entrances.
Though the bollards have since been removed, the Department for Education confirmed this week that other security measures would remain in place on the advice of SA Police.
But for many parents, the unresolved investigation — and last week’s unexpected decision to drop all charges against an 18-year-old boy previously accused of making the threats — has only deepened their concerns and left many of their lingering questions unanswered.
One father, helping his daughter lift her musical instrument from the car boot as a police officer walked past on Wednesday, said the threats were a “nagging worry” every time he dropped the kids off.
“I haven’t had many updates at all except a couple of emails in the beginning, and then just recently another saying they’re still keeping the security,” he said.
“But they haven’t given a real reason. After putting all those security in place … they should have communicated earlier, because during that period, what was the reason?”
One mother said she felt torn, grateful for the visible police presence but uneasy that no one had been held accountable.
“I am a bit concerned they still haven’t got them, but I’m happy the school is doing the best they can in the circumstances,” she said.
Another mum voiced concern their had been rumours that the threats continued even after the 18-year-old was initially arrested in May, while another parent said he was surprised to learn the case against the teen had collapsed. “I thought the matter had been resolved,” he said.
When questioned, SA Police would not confirm whether or not there is still a perceived threat to students and staff, nor whether any further threats have been made since May.
A spokesman said only: “The investigation remains active and ongoing. Security will remain at Glenunga International School at the present level. No further comment will be made at this time.”
The Department for Education also declined to say whether any new threats had been received or not.
“This remains a matter for the South Australia Police and we continue to take their advice, with the wellbeing and safety of the school community our priority,” a spokeswoman said.
In a letter to families sent on Monday, Education Director Sandy Richardson from the Felixstow Education Office also said the school was acting on police advice regarding security.
“The safety and wellbeing of our students, staff, and families continue to be our top priority,” she wrote.
“The Department for Education and SAPOL are working together closely to make sure our whole school community is safe and supported.
“If you see anything unusual near the school, please report it to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.”
The teenager initially accused of making the threats, whose identity is suppressed, was arrested in May after what Premier Peter Malinauskas called one of the state’s most significant police operations, an investigation involving more than 100 officers, ASIO and the AFP.
Police alleged at the time that he had threatened to kill attendees at the Adelaide Fringe and Gather Round, and to attack Glenunga staff and students with knives, bombs and boiling oil.
Between November 2024 and February 2025, the school received a series of emails in which the sender dubbed themselves “the prophet of justice” and demanded $23 million not to carry out the attacks.
The teen had been charged with two counts of blackmail and one count of contaminating goods, but all charges were dropped last week.
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Originally published as Lingering fears at Glenunga International High School as security remains, teen’s threat charges dropped
