Lackawanna Man Sentenced to State Prison for Terroristic Threat Against McKinley High School

Lackawanna, NY – A 20-year-old Lackawanna resident, DeAndre Watkins, has been handed a state prison sentence for making a terrifying threat against McKinley High School. The conviction sends a clear and stern message about the severe consequences of online terroristic threats that disrupt communities and jeopardize school safety.

Watkins, who had previously pleaded guilty to one count of Making a Terroristic Threat, received a sentence of 1 to 3 years in a New York State prison.

The sentencing, which took place in Erie County Court, marks the culmination of a case that began with a chilling social media post in September 2022.

The incident unfolded when Watkins took to Snapchat, posting a disturbing message declaring his intent to "shoot up" McKinley High School. This grave threat immediately triggered widespread alarm and led to significant disruption.

School authorities were forced to implement a lockdown, and out of an abundance of caution and concern for student safety, shifted to remote learning for an extended period.

District Attorney John J. Flynn Jr. highlighted the seriousness of the crime, emphasizing that such threats are not to be taken lightly.

"When someone threatens the safety of our schools, we will act swiftly and decisively to hold them accountable," Flynn stated in a press release. The swift response from law enforcement and the subsequent legal action underscore the zero-tolerance approach to any actions that endanger students and staff.

Justice M.

William Boller presided over the case, delivering a sentence that reflects the gravity of Watkins' actions. The terroristic threat charge, a D felony, carries significant weight under New York State law, designed to deter individuals from instilling fear and chaos within public institutions.

The incident served as a stark reminder of the pervasive nature of online threats and their real-world impact.

Beyond the legal ramifications for Watkins, the event left a lasting impression on the McKinley High School community, prompting discussions on digital responsibility and the importance of reporting suspicious online activity. This case reaffirms that words, especially those intended to incite terror, have profound and long-lasting consequences.