Threats Cause Alarm Among Central Texas Schools
Central Texas – Recently, parents and school officials have been expressing concern over a rise in threats made against schools in the area. Just weeks into the new semester, multiple school districts around the Austin area have been grappling with alarming social media threats leading to several arrests of young individuals.
Patterns of Threats
In the past week alone, around six students across different school districts in Central Texas were arrested due to online threats. Most of these incidents stemmed from social media posts that referenced potential school shootings. The latest reports indicate that Llano Independent School District (ISD) is now sharing similar concerns after other districts were affected.
Charles Upshaw, a concerned parent, expressed his feelings to reporters saying, “Pretty scared. It’s something that every parent worries about these days.” His anxieties are mirrored by many in the community, highlighting areas that need serious attention.
Specific Incidents
According to a statement released by Hays CISD, several incidents were reported leading to the detention and arrest of three sixth graders. One student specifically made a threat regarding a shooting at Simon Middle School, which alarmingly caught the attention of authorities. As a result, both the girl and her friend from Wallace Middle School were charged with a state jail felony for their actions.
Another incident involved a sixth grader from McCormick Middle School, who made a terroristic threat on Thursday and was also charged accordingly, despite being found without the means to carry out the threat. Police action extended further when a Westlake High School student was arrested for making similar threats towards their campus.
Community Reactions
Community members are left baffled by these threatening behaviors. Tim Giskin, who lives across the street from Hill Elementary School, shared his disbelief, stating, “It’s kind of baffling why anybody would threaten the school, honestly, or the kids who go here.” Such sentiments reflect the natural desire for safety and the protection of children in their learning environments.
Increased Security Measures
School districts have responded proactively to these threats. Many, including Hill Elementary School, have increased police presence on campuses to ensure student safety. Upshaw acknowledged the quick response, saying, “I think they handled it pretty well. They were very proactive in their communication, having additional law enforcement on site even though the person was already arrested.”
Another individual arrested was Avery Young, 29, who faced charges for a threat made towards an Austin ISD elementary school. His bond was set at $100,000, further underscoring the serious nature of these threats. Giskin remarked, “This is such a good school or quiet area, no problems ever,” reflecting the shock many feel in typically peaceful neighborhoods.
Advice for Parents
Marble Falls ISD reported receiving an online threat as well. In response, they have taken steps to boost security on campus and have advised parents to engage in discussions with their children about the implications of making false threats. The school district encourages parents to emphasize the importance of reporting any suspicious activities online as a collective effort to maintain school safety.
This recent spate of threats has not only raised significant concerns among parents and educators but has also ignited discussions on how to ensure a safe educational environment for all students. As Central Texas grapples with this troubling trend, the community strives to find solutions and reinforce a commitment to safety in their schools.
