CORTLAND, NY (607NewsNow) – Authorities are investigating threats of violence at several Cortland County school districts.

On September 4, Cortland, Homer, and Marathon were locked down for several hours.

According to the Cortland Standard, threats of gun violence at the schools were sent to local media over rising property taxes. The buildings and grounds were determined to be safe, though officials continued to monitor the area.

Cortland district officials say there is reason to believe the threat was part of a mass email sent by bad actors to cause confusion and chaos.

The investigation is ongoing.