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Sat Jan 24 22:10:00 UTC 2026: ### Royal Ridge Elementary Targeted by Hoax Threat, Sparking Fear and Lockdown
The Story: On January 21, 2026, Royal Ridge Elementary School in San Antonio was placed on lockdown after receiving a threatening phone call. The caller claimed to be inside the school and planned to “shoot up the campus.” Police responded immediately, searching approximately 30 classrooms before determining the threat was a hoax. The incident caused significant alarm among students and parents, with some rushing to the school upon hearing news of the threat.
Key Points:
- A threatening phone call was made to Royal Ridge Elementary School shortly after 8 a.m. on January 21, 2026.
- The caller claimed to be armed and planning a school shooting.
- Police searched approximately 30 classrooms and found no gunman.
- The school was placed on lockdown and parents were notified.
- Authorities believe the caller was an adult and not a student, characterizing the act as a deliberate attempt to cause chaos.
Key Takeaways:
- School threat hoaxes continue to be a problem, consuming law enforcement resources and causing widespread panic.
- The rapid response of both the North East Independent School Police Department and the San Antonio Police Department highlights the seriousness with which such threats are taken.
- Parents’ reactions underscore the deep-seated anxiety surrounding school safety in the current climate.
- Even after the threat was deemed a hoax, the fear experienced by students like Jax Villagomez indicates the lasting psychological impact of such incidents.
- The adult voice of the caller suggests a malicious intent beyond a simple prank, necessitating a thorough investigation to prevent future occurrences.