A 43-year-old Cambria County man, identified as Matthew Firm, was arrested on charges including felony ethnic intimidation and terroristic threats after allegedly sending antisemitic messages targeting Ferndale Area School District administration, resulting in a brief lockdown on Monday. Police say Firm, who resides in the Moxham section of Johnstown, and is a 2001 graduate, threatened school officials via phone and email, later admitting to the contacts after voluntarily appearing at the West Hills Regional Police Department. He is currently held at Cambria County Prison with bail set at $80,000. His preliminary hearing has been scheduled for May 6th.
Wednesday 22nd April 2026
