The FBI is investigating a social media threat targeting more than a dozen schools across Texas, including three Austin elementary schools.
Austin ISD leaders said in a letter to community members that the threat was made against 14 schools, including Austin’s Andrews, Baranoff, and Barrington elementary schools, CBS reports.
The social media post includes a photo of a masked individual with firearms but does not specify a date or time for the threat, officials said. The FBI told KVUE that they are aware of the threats and are working with local, state, and federal law enforcement partners to investigate.
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“The FBI takes these threats seriously because it puts innocent people at risk,” said an FBI San Antonio Field Spokesperson. “We urge the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to law enforcement immediately.”
Austin ISD Police have increased patrols on the three impacted campuses and is asking anyone who sees anything suspicious to call its non-emergency line at 512-414-1703. District officials also urged parents to remind students not to share threats online but to report them to a trusted adult.
Additional Threats Made Against North Texas Schools
Several North Texas schools are also on high alert after the circulation of an anonymous social media video featuring a masked man making violent threats against specific campuses, according to Fox. The man is reportedly holding a pistol in front of a Nazi flag.
Schools that have confirmed they were named in the threat include Diamond Hill-Jarvis High School (Fort Worth ISD), Watson High School (Eagle Mountain-Saginaw ISD), Castleberry High School (Castleberry ISD), and Lake Dallas High School (Lake Dallas ISD). However, Fort Worth Police said its Intelligence Exchange Section (INTEX) has “strong reason” to believe it is not a credible threat.
“The video is believed to have originated outside of the U.S with the sole purpose of inciting fear,” the department said in a news release. “A similar message was received by a neighboring department earlier today.”
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The FBI also confirmed it is investigating the threat.
Students were also evacuated from North Dallas High School on Tuesday morning after receiving reports of a bomb threat, Fox reports. At least 35 police units were sent to the school. Officers secured the campus and determined the threat was not credible. Officials gave the all-clear a short time later and students returned to class.
“This came in as a concerning tip. Students were evacuated out of an abundance of caution,” said the Dallas Police Department. “It was ultimately determined to be a prank call.”
