Accused Cyberstalker Linked to Threats Against Christian School Released from Custody
A former student of Christ Presbyterian Academy (CPA) in Nashville, Tennessee, accused of making threatening statements towards the school, has been released from federal custody.
McKenzie McClure, who identifies as transgender, was released after mental health professionals deemed her no longer delusional and now remorseful following a threatening voicemail she left for the school and officials there earlier this year, as the Daily Wire reports.
McClure, also known as Kalvin, had contacted CPA in March, leaving a voicemail referencing a violent scene from a Marvel movie. In the scene, a character returns to confront an abusive headmaster, ultimately killing him.
This voicemail was received just days before the anniversary of the Covenant School shooting, in which a transgender-identifying woman killed six people, including three children.
School Closures Follow Threatening Voicemail
Both CPA and a nearby school, Currey Ingram Academy, decided to close their doors following the disturbing voicemail. The closure came as a precaution amid heightened concerns, given the proximity to the Covenant School tragedy.
Days before the arrest, security footage at CPA showed McClure on campus making obscene gestures, further raising alarm within the community.
McClure was arrested by federal agents in April on allegations of cyberstalking. Her release comes after several months of mental health evaluation at Pasadena Villa, a mental health facility in East Tennessee.
Judge Orders Release Following Mental Health Testimony
U.S. District Court Magistrate Judge Chip Frensley ruled that McClure be released from federal custody after mental health professionals testified in her favor. According to the professionals, McClure had been consistently taking her prescribed medication and was showing signs of remorse and mental stability.
While this testimony influenced the decision, not everyone supported the release. A concerned CPA parent argued that McClure should remain in federal custody, stating, “I didn’t think there would be any response that could stop her if she was determined.” Despite these concerns, the court ruled in favor of release under specific conditions.
History of Troubling Behavior on Social Media
McClure’s social media presence also raised red flags, with previous posts causing concern among parents and community members. One such post included a threatening comment towards Tennessee Governor Bill Lee, stating, “Also Bill Lee knows if he makes one wrong move it’s Joever for him and my 4th grade teacher… i.e., his WIFE.”
Another post appeared to express defiance towards societal expectations with the statement, “I’m here. I’m QUEER. GET USED TO IT.” These statements contributed to the fear surrounding McClure’s mental state and intentions.
Out-Patient Care and Restrictions
Despite the court’s decision, McClure will remain under strict supervision. She will receive out-patient care while living at home with her parents, who reside near CPA. This arrangement has led to ongoing concern from some members of the CPA community, who worry about McClure’s proximity to the school.
While McClure has shown progress in her mental health treatment, the potential for future incidents continues to weigh on the minds of school parents and staff.
Concerns Over School Safety Persist
Though no physical harm came to CPA following McClure’s threats, the emotional and psychological impact on the community has been significant. The timing of the call, so close to the Covenant School shooting anniversary, only intensified the sense of fear among parents and students.
The release of McClure from federal custody has prompted ongoing discussions about how to ensure the safety of the school and its students. Parents are advocating for increased security measures and monitoring to prevent potential future incidents.
Federal Custody Controversy and Mental Health
The decision to release McClure from federal custody underscores the complexity of balancing mental health considerations with public safety concerns. While mental health professionals have determined McClure is no longer a threat, the fears within the community remain palpable.
Some parents continue to express skepticism regarding the effectiveness of out-patient care in preventing potential future threats. The question of whether McClure’s release is in the best interest of the school and surrounding community remains a point of contention.
Summary of Events and Release
McClure’s release has not put an end to the debate over how to handle cases where mental health intersects with public safety. For now, McClure will live under the care of her parents while receiving ongoing treatment.
However, the incident serves as a reminder of the importance of addressing mental health concerns before they escalate into threats against individuals and institutions. As the CPA community grapples with the aftermath of this incident, discussions about future security and the role of mental health treatment in public safety are likely to continue.