Austin Responds to Rising Threats in Schools
Austin, Texas — In recent weeks, school districts throughout Texas, including Austin, have been on high alert due to a surge in threats of violence directed at schools from both students and external sources. Already this month, reports indicate that at least 20 schools have been targeted with threats.
Recent Incidents in Schools
On Tuesday, four students from Bastrop Middle School were arrested after a social media post raised alarms about a threat to the school. However, district police later determined the threat was non-credible, as outlined in a letter sent by Principal Tiffany Peirson to families of students.
The same day, two students from Pflugerville Independent School District (ISD) were arrested following threats made against several schools within the district, including Weiss High School. In a proactive measure, police from Austin ISD decided to increase patrols at Hill Elementary School after learning of threats there.
Last Thursday, Austin police took action by arresting an individual for making a terroristic threat. Meanwhile, in Hays Consolidated ISD, a sixth grader was detained in connection with a threat, leading to the arrest of a minor on charges of felony false report.
In another instance, a student from Westlake High School was arrested last Sunday for making threats against the school. Eanes ISD Superintendent Jeff Arnett noted that at least four students had alerted administrators about the concerning comments that were shared on Snapchat, leading to the arrest.
Increased Security Measures
In response to the ongoing threats, Marble Falls ISD has stepped up patrols on some of its campuses. Similarly, Llano ISD announced on Thursday that an individual had been taken into custody following threats made on social media. Last Monday, the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) also responded to potential bomb threats at Coronado High School and Frenship High School, discovering later that the same suspect had made threats against multiple schools in the Lubbock area.
Five juvenile suspects from Lubbock were interviewed regarding their involvement in the false threats. The Dalhart Police Department reported receiving a school shooting threat photo, which they categorized as a nationwide threat/hoax circulating across various states. Even though they deemed it non-credible, Dalhart ISD Superintendent Jeff Byrd stated that a heavy police presence will be maintained on campuses throughout the week.
Targeted Threats and Arrests
In recent days, the Edinburg and McAllen school districts found themselves at the center of an online threat traced back to the arrest of a 17-year-old in Kansas City. Over in Progreso, a former security guard was arrested after discussing plans to shoot teachers and cause explosions at Progreso High School.
Last Monday, two individuals, one being a teenager and the other a minor, were arrested after being suspected of making terroristic threats through social media that depicted firearms. Additionally, a City View High School student was charged for a post that showcased an AR-15 rifle with a concerning caption.
Legislative Response
In a broader context, state lawmakers in Austin have begun reviewing the impact of House Bill 3, a significant school safety law introduced after the Uvalde shooting incident. This law mandates security improvements in schools, but many have expressed concern about its funding. Lawmakers have pointed out that the financial support—$15,000 per campus—falls short of what is needed for full-time armed officers in schools.
Dr. Kathy Martinez-Prather from the Texas School Safety Center reflected on the rise in threats, noting that such situations often occur as part of a “contagion effect” following a high-profile incident of violence.
The spate of threats highlights ongoing concerns about safety in Texas schools, prompting both law enforcement and school district officials to work together to ensure student security amid these troubling incidents.
