MONTCLAIR, N.J. – An employee of the Montclair School District has been arrested for allegedly threatening to kill a school principal.
Amir Doctry, 45, was arrested on Monday for allegedly threatening Dr. Joseph Putrino, who is the principal of the Northeast Elementary School. The initial incident happened on January 9.
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Putrino told police Doctry showed up on campus after recently being placed on administrative leave due to “erratic behavior,” reports 6ABC. After being denied access to the school and its databases, Doctry began harassing Putrino.
Putrino reported the suspect to the police on Sunday after discovering a YouTube account that was owned by Doctry with threatening images and comments.
One comment allegedly made on social media by Doctry was, “Joe must die school shooting Montclair school shooting kills Dr. Joe Racism Racist Joe is dead. He dies tonight,” reports News12 New Jersey. Putrino also received additional messages after that from the suspect.
Alleged Threats Prompt Montclair School District to Cancel Classes
The comments prompted the Montclair School District to close all of its campuses on Monday.
Doctry worked for the district from 2017 to 2021 and then in September 2024. According to a post on his YouTube channel, he was vying for the district’s open superintendent position.
He faces charges of making terroristic threats, as well as other charges.
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Montclair Mayor Renee Baskerville issued the following statements about the ordeal:
January 12, 2025:
I have been in constant communication with school officials and the police department throughout the evening and into this morning regarding today’s school closings, and will continue do so. I want to make clear to our community that the school closings today are a precautionary measure, and there is no immediate threat.
Following Montclair Police Department’s guidance, the schools are closed so that the security concern can be investigated. I also wanted to make clear that this security concern is isolated to Montclair schools and does not affect surrounding communities or institutions.
My office and the township are actively involved with law enforcement, school officials, and their partners, and I will be sure to keep residents informed with the latest information and updates. As always, the safety of the community and residents is our highest priority.
January 13, 2025 update:
I want to inform you that, through the diligent efforts and collaboration with the Montclair Police Department, the threat we were addressing has been neutralized.
I understand that this situation may have caused anxiety and disruption for our entire school community. Please know that every step taken was guided by our unwavering commitment to the safety and well-being of our students, staff, and families. Your safety remains my highest priority.
Thank you for your patience, understanding, and support throughout this time.”