CECIL COUNTY, Md. — Employees with the School Board Office of Cecil County Public Schools left work early Friday after their office received a voicemail threat.
According to officials, the voicemail said: 'You need to fire that teacher that said that, otherwise you people are going to die.'
The Cecil County Sheriff's Office told WMAR-2 News that it is aware of the threat.
"While the source of the threat is believed to originate from outside Cecil County, Maryland, the matter is actively being investigated by our office," the sheriff's office said.
WATCH: Voicemail threat prompts early release for Cecil County Public School Board Office employees Friday
"It's alarming and frustrating that the level of hostility and rhetoric has reached this point, but my main priority has to be the safety of our students, staff, and families," said Superintendent Dr. Jeffrey Lawson.
The threat comes following the fatal shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
Kirk, 31, was shot and killed on Wednesday during an event at Utah Valley University.
On Friday, Utah Governor Spencer Cox announced the arrest of 22-year-old Tyler Robinson in connection with Kirk's murder.
Per Scripps News Group, since Kirk's killing, numerous public officials have been losing their jobs or were placed on leave for their social media reactions. Additionally, some businesses have become the subject of boycotts or have lost partnerships.
RELATED: Social media posts on Charlie Kirk shooting cost jobs, business deals
According to a statement from Cecil County Executive Adam Streight, the post the threat was referring to was made by a Cecil County Public Schools employee "celebrating Kirk's murder."
County Executive Streight's full statement can be read below:
Like most Cecil Countians, I am grateful for the work of the FBI and Utah police in apprehending the suspect charged with murdering Charlie Kirk. Charlie, who was fascinated with the ideas and opinions of others, embodied respectful dialogue and the free exchange of ideas. He was a patriot who championed the First Amendment and modeled civil debate—listening to others, making his case, and always treating people with dignity. He was a decent person, a loving father and husband, and a true Christian gentleman.
I was deeply disturbed to learn of an unacceptable social media post by a Cecil County Public Schools employee celebrating Charlie’s murder. For anyone entrusted to serve as a role model for students, such remarks are indefensible. Public service is not a right—it is a privilege. While the First Amendment protects free speech, public servants must be held to a higher standard. Words that foster distrust and division degrade the important work of our schools and government and undermine our mission to serve our community.
After voicing my displeasure and those within the community to the CCPS superintendent Wednesday evening, he has assured me of his deep concern and that this matter is being investigated taken seriously. While Maryland law prevents him from discussing with me or anyone outside CCPS personnel issues, I am confident it will be addressed and the appropriate corrective action taken. If such a statement had been made by a Cecil County Government employee, it would have violated our code of conduct, and discipline would have been swift and certain.
Equally troubling, this situation has now drawn a death threat against CCPS. This too is unacceptable. Political violence—whether celebrating a murder or making threats—dishonors Charlie’s memory and betrays the values he fought for. We are better than this as Americans and as Cecil Countians.
County Executive Streight added that he will be joining others at Calvert Regional Park for a candlelight vigil hosted by Grace Bible Chapel to honor Kirk's life and legacy on Sunday, September 14, at 7:30 p.m.
Officials with Cecil County Public Schools say that enhanced security steps will be taken for Monday, September 15 following the voicemail threat.
There have been no threats made made towards any students or schools, per officials.
