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School safety meeting, following threat of violence at local elementary school

Parents from Poway Unified were able to hear from SDPD, City Councilmember Marni Von Wilpert, the San Diego City Attorney and the District Attorney's office.

POWAY, Calif. — Leaders from around San Diego gathered in Poway Wednesday night to discuss school safety after investigators say someone emailed a threat to shoot up a local elementary school

A man has been arrested and remains behind bars. But the uneasiness on campus remains.

Parents from Poway Unified were able to hear from San Diego Police, City Councilmember Marni Von Wilpert, the San Diego City Attorney and the District Attorney's office, following the threat of mass violence at Shoal Creek Elementary.

One mom said, "I didn't want to send my daughter back to school."

Another dad said, "We are very scared and confused. We want to partner with you and be the change."

The Associate Superintendent Greg Mizel said, "In our district, we are quite proud of test scores, but safety is #1." 

"The San Diego Police Department takes these threats very very very seriously," Captain Mike Holden added. 

"There is no bigger priority for me, than keeping our kids safe in school," City Council Member representing District 5, Marni Von Wilpert said.

This meeting came 12 days after 38-year-old Lee Lor allegedly sent an email threatening violence at Shoal Creek Elementary. 

"We had the suspect identified within 3 hours of receiving that information," Captain Holden said.

Making a criminal threat is a felony charge. According to court paperwork, Lor targeted the school because "it's where the neighbor kids attend school."  If convicted, he could face anywhere from probation to three years in prison.

"In the majority of these cases, someone knew something," Rachel Solov said, who is the Chief Deputy District Attorney.

Local leaders stressed utilizing our Red Flag Law. That means action can be taken even before a crime is committed. A threat is enough. The City Attorney says she can get a gun violence restraining order within an hour. 

"Parents think I don't want to be a burden, I don't know if it's a legit threat, but please let us make that call," San Diego City Attorney Mara Elliot said.

The San Diego Police Department has a full team dedicated to preventing gun violence, but parents want more. They talked about everything from metal detectors, enhanced security at entrances and forming a neighborhood watch.

"We just have to organize a little more and step up," another dad said.

Parents also say they want better and faster communication about what's going on.

The man who was arrested for the threat will remain behind bars until his next court appearance at the end of March.

WATCH RELATED: Man accused of threatening to shoot up Shoal Creek Elementary will remain behind bars without bail

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