Fireworks show in Jaffrey, N.H., canceled after town officials receive ‘violent threat’

By Globe Staff

The New Hampshire town of Jaffrey today canceled a fireworks show after a written threat aimed at town officials was received by a local newspaper and the town’s chamber of commerce.

In a statement released this afternoon, Jaffrey Police Chief William J. Oswalt said the “Festival of Fireworks” show planned for Saturday is being canceled in response to the “violent threat” received by the Keene Sentinel and Jaffrey Chamber of Commerce.

“In those communications, the author indicated a direct threat of violent action that would take place at or near the local airport where the Annual Jaffrey Festival of Fireworks is scheduled to take place this Saturday,” Oswalt wrote.

He added, “at this early stage of the investigation we have been unable to develop sufficient facts and information that provide a level of confidence that the security of the event can be assured. We are therefore announcing this year’s Festival of Fireworks has been canceled.’’

Oswalt said the writer made a “bomb threat directed at the people attending the fireworks show with the apparent motive of causing disruption of the event and an adverse impact on the Town of Jaffrey.’’

The annual fireworks show is held at the Silver Ranch Airpark in Jaffrey. Officials plan to meet with reporters at the Jaffrey Airport today.