Police in Indiana arrested a mother they say confronted a teacher while wearing a firearm and sent her an email containing death threats because the teacher had assigned her daughter a project, local Fox affiliate WXIN and local NBC affiliate WTHR report.
The project in question? One on different flags, including the Pride flag.
Carrie Rivers, 48, was charged with felony possession of a firearm on school property and misdemeanor harassment via written communication for the incident that took place in Decatur Township, near Indianapolis, at the Valley Mills Elementary School on April 9.
According to court documents, Rivers told police she was upset about a project assigned to her daughter, a sixth-grade student at the school. Rivers said the assignment was about “same-sex relationships,” while the teacher told police it was about different flags, including the rainbow Pride flag. Rivers was also upset that the teacher had a same-sex relationship with a woman who was also a police officer.
When Rivers confronted the teacher, a silent alert system was activated, notifying the police about an “irate parent” at the school. Police arriving at the school noticed Rivers had a holstered firearm on her waist. Police said they removed the gun before interviewing her. Rivers claimed she had not realized the gun was on her person when told it was a felony to be on school property with a firearm.
Rivers said she had withdrawn her daughter earlier that day but returned to complain further about the incident. She also said she was surprised that police were there to confront her rather than the teacher.
Rivers left the school and returned home, where less than 30 minutes later she allegedly sent an email to the teacher.
“…your a child predator and your only hope is your b**** a** wife that is a cop otherwise someone else woulda already delt with u for ur wrongs,” Rivers allegedly wrote in the error-filled message to the teacher. “U messed with the wrong family. I’ll tell you that so please say ur prayers and kiss ur kids goodbye and goodnight u never know when god says its our time so always be prepared.”
She also reportedly wrote, “sick, nasty teacher, you should never tell precious innocent kids that it’s okay to be in a same sex relationship.”
Police were again contacted, and Rivers was arrested on April 10.
“We are committed to ensuring a safe learning environment for students and staff and are grateful for the quick action of the office staff and school police in handling the situation safely,” Decatur Township schools said in a statement provided to the media.
Rivers is due in court Tuesday.