NEWPORT, Vt. — Cypher Aiken, 25, was arrested Thursday after allegedly threatening to plant bombs at North Country Union High School, leading to the evacuation of the school and lockdowns of other local schools.
According to Newport Police Department, officers received a text message threat from Aiken around 12:23 p.m., which prompted immediate notification to school officials. As a result, North Country Union High School was evacuated, and surrounding schools in Newport were placed on lockdown as a precaution.
Police and maintenance crews thoroughly searched the high school for explosives while officers secured other area schools. Aiken was located and taken into custody at Shaw’s supermarket in Derby.
The Vermont State Police Bomb Team inspected Aiken’s vehicle but found no explosives. He was charged with domestic terrorism for threatening a civilian population with mass destruction and killings.
Aiken is being held on $50,000 bail and is scheduled for arraignment Friday in Orleans District Court.
Newport Police Chief Bingham praised the response efforts, emphasizing the importance of school safety and community protection.
All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
