Amir Doctry: what we know so far

Amir Doctry, a 45-year-old staff member of the Montclair School District, was arrested on January 13, 2025, following an online threat that led to the closure of all district schools.

The Montclair Police Department received information on Sunday, January 12, about a threat made on social media targeting a staff member at Northeast Elementary School on Grove Street. In response, the Montclair Board of Education, in collaboration with law enforcement, decided to close all district schools on Monday as a precautionary measure.

An investigation involving the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office, the FBI, and the Montclair Board of Education identified Doctry, who was already on administrative leave, as the suspect behind the threat. He was apprehended without incident at a residence in Philadelphia around 8:00 a.m. on January 13. Doctry has been charged with terroristic threats, with additional charges pending.

In the wake of the incident, authorities have increased patrols around Montclair schools to ensure the safety of students, staff, and residents. The Montclair Police Department has stated that there is no further danger to the community and emphasized their commitment to maintaining safety. They have also urged the community to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity.

Prior to this incident, Doctry was known for his involvement in educational initiatives. He was associated with the Global Learning Exchange of All Nations (G.L.E.A.N.), a project aimed at fostering international student collaboration to support educational initiatives in Tanzania. Through G.L.E.A.N., students from various countries engaged in virtual meetings, sharing cultural insights and brainstorming ways to aid schools in Tanzania.

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The recent events have cast a shadow over Doctry’s previous contributions to education. The Montclair School District has not released further details regarding his administrative leave or the circumstances leading up to the online threat. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are working to determine the motive behind Doctry’s actions.

The community has expressed shock and concern over the incident, with many parents and residents seeking more information about the situation. The Montclair Police Department and the Board of Education are expected to provide updates as the investigation progresses.

In the meantime, Montclair schools have resumed normal operations, with heightened security measures in place to ensure the safety of all students and staff. Counseling services have been made available to those affected by the incident, and the district is taking steps to address any concerns from parents and the community.