Houston, TX — FBI Houston says it has already worked with local law enforcement partners to prevent two potential mass-casualty attacks at Houston-area schools since the new school year began.
According to the FBI, both cases resulted in the arrests of underage teenagers.
The agency issued the warning while reminding students and families that threats of violence against schools are treated seriously — even when someone later claims the threat was intended as a joke.
Every year, the FBI’s National Threat Operations Center receives thousands of tips involving potential violence at schools, ranging from direct threats to cryptic social media posts.
The FBI says hoax and prank threats can divert law enforcement resources from legitimate emergencies and potentially put others at risk. Federal agents work with local law enforcement to evaluate threats, share information and determine appropriate investigative action.
THINK BEFORE YOU POST
Anyone who sees a threat of school violence on social media is urged to immediately report it.
Emergency: 911
FBI: 1-800-CALL-FBI
Online tips: tips.fbi.gov