Montclair Teacher Arrested Amid Alarming Online Threats: A Community in Shock

In a harrowing turn of events, Amir Doctry, a 45-year-old special education teacher from Montclair, New Jersey, was arrested after allegedly posting a series of disturbing online threats against his principal, Joseph Putrino. The threats, which included chilling warnings of a school shooting, prompted immediate action from local authorities and led to the temporary closure of Montclair public schools.

The Escalation of Threats

The unsettling series of events began on January 9, 2025, when Principal Putrino contacted the police to remove Doctry from Northeast Elementary School due to his erratic behavior. Following this incident, Doctry's communications took a darker turn. He sent a text message to Putrino, stating he would have him fired "if [he] was boss." Three days later, an image was posted on a YouTube channel allegedly controlled by Doctry, featuring a "celebrity" holding a firearm under the text "All parents in Montclair." Subsequent messages included derogatory language and ominous warnings, such as "racist Joe [...] dies tonight," and "There's gonna be a war, like on July 4th," accompanied by emojis depicting explosions. These escalating threats culminated in a chilling prediction of a school shooting targeting Principal Putrino.

Community Response and School Closure

In response to the escalating threats, Montclair public schools were closed on January 13, 2025, as a precautionary measure. The Montclair Police Department, in collaboration with the Montclair Board of Education, the Essex County Prosecutor's Office, and the FBI, initiated an immediate investigation to identify the source of the threats. Their efforts led to the identification and arrest of Doctry in Philadelphia on January 13, 2025.

Legal Proceedings and Detention

Doctry was charged with making terroristic threats and was remanded to Essex County Jail pending trial. During a detention hearing, Judge Lori Grifa ordered Doctry's continued detention, citing the severity of the alleged offenses and concerns that he may pose a threat to others if released, including the potential for a mass shooting. The judge also noted that Doctry had been placed on administrative leave due to "erratic behavior" prior to the threats.

Community Impact and Ongoing Investigation

The arrest has left the Montclair community in shock, raising concerns about the safety of educators and the potential for workplace violence. The investigation is ongoing, with authorities examining the circumstances that led to the threats and the extent of Doctry's intentions. The case has sparked discussions about the importance of monitoring and addressing warning signs of potential violence in educational settings.

Conclusion

The arrest of Amir Doctry serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers that can arise from unchecked hostility and the importance of vigilance in identifying and addressing threats within educational environments. As the investigation continues, the Montclair community remains on edge, grappling with the unsettling reality that such threats can emerge from within their own ranks.