Fri Sep 20 08:45:31 UTC 2024: ## School Threat Hoax Epidemic Spreads Across the US, Draining Law Enforcement Resources
**Morgantown, WV** – Hundreds of schools nationwide have been bombarded with online and phone threats in recent weeks, prompting lockdowns and school closures in at least a dozen states. This alarming trend, which began after the school shooting in Georgia earlier this month, is causing significant strain on law enforcement resources and prompting a strong response from authorities.
West Virginia, which has seen over 200 school threats in the past week alone, is at the forefront of this crisis. State officials have created a task force to investigate the threats, which range from phone calls to social media messages and emails. “We’re receiving these threats on a variety of different platforms,” said Rob Cunningham of the West Virginia Department of Homeland Security. “We need to get to the bottom of why and who is causing this chaos.”
The problem extends far beyond West Virginia. From Oregon, where a school district closed due to a Snapchat threat, to a Pennsylvania high school evacuated for a security sweep, law enforcement agencies across the country are struggling to keep up with the influx of threats.
“For any hoax threats, it takes away resources from other true emergencies,” said Kevin Rojek, special agent in charge of the FBI’s Pittsburgh field office. “Local authorities, who don’t have significant resources, may be drained to a point where they can’t address 911 calls.”
These recent threats are reminiscent of the “swatting” calls that plagued schools two years ago, where false reports of violence were made to prompt armed police response. While suspects are being arrested nationwide, including 23 in West Virginia alone, authorities are emphasizing that such threats are no laughing matter.
“Whether or not they intend to carry out, if they make a threat and they make a threat like this, they will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law,” said County Prosecutor Steve Dragisich.
In Florida, Sheriff Mike Chitwood has taken a more public approach, vowing to publicly shame juveniles suspected of making school threats. He has already made good on his promise by parading an 11-year-old suspect before the media.
School officials nationwide are urging the public to refrain from reposting threats they see online, as this only amplifies the fear and spreads misinformation. They are also stressing the seriousness of these threats, even if they are intended as pranks. “We take all threats seriously,” said Memphis-Shelby County Superintendent Marie Feagins.
As authorities grapple with this surge in threats, they are calling for increased vigilance and cooperation from the public. They warn that anyone making such threats will face serious legal consequences.
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