A Michigan father has been charged with making a terrorist threat after allegedly vowing to 'shoot up' an elementary school where his son reported being bullied, in a disturbing incident that has shaken the local community.
Michael John Gallagher, 42, stands accused of making the chilling threat during a phone call with Oxford Elementary School administrators on May 21st. According to Oakland County Sheriff's officials, the conversation escalated dramatically when Gallagher became enraged about his son's treatment at the Michigan school.
'I'm Going to Shoot Up the School'
Sheriff Michael Bouchard revealed that Gallagher specifically threatened to bring a firearm to the educational institution during the heated exchange. "The suspect was upset about the way his son was being treated and said he was going to shoot up the school," Bouchard stated.
The immediate police response was swift and comprehensive. Deputies raced to Gallagher's Oxford Township home, where they took him into custody without incident. Authorities confirmed that multiple firearms were discovered during a search of the property, heightening concerns about the seriousness of the threat.
Community Still Healing from Previous Trauma
This incident carries particular weight for Oxford residents, as the community remains deeply affected by the 2021 Oxford High School shooting that claimed four students' lives. Sheriff Bouchard emphasised the zero-tolerance approach to such threats, especially given the area's tragic history.
"Any threat, especially in today's environment and especially in Oxford, will be taken with the utmost seriousness," Bouchard affirmed. "We will continue to have zero tolerance for making threats toward our community and schools."
Legal Consequences and Ongoing Investigation
Gallagher now faces serious legal repercussions for his alleged actions:
- Charges of making a false report or threat of terrorism
- Potential 20-year prison sentence if convicted
- Current detention at Oakland County Jail with $50,000 bond
- Ongoing investigation into the bullying incidents that triggered the threat
Oxford Community Schools Superintendent responded to the incident, acknowledging the bullying allegations while condemning the father's response. The district has initiated its own investigation into the bullying claims while maintaining that student safety remains the absolute priority.
The case highlights the continuing challenges schools face in balancing student welfare concerns with the need to maintain secure learning environments, particularly in communities still recovering from previous school shooting tragedies.
