Social Media Threats to Louisiana & Texas Schools Spark Concern

Sadly, we live in a world where violence is carried out at schools across the country on fairly regular basis. And due to these very real concerns, local law enforcement agencies are taking any and every potential threat very seriously - as they should. This has led to several arrests of students in Louisiana & Texas (and across the nation, really) for terrorizing in recent months. There is a zero tolerance policy when it comes to jokes, pranks or anything else when it relates to school violence.

Some investigations have led to credible threats, including this one in Livingston Parish and this one at Comeaux High in Lafayette. But, many more arrests are due to 'pranks' or 'hoaxes'.

And that leads us to two recent incidents in East Texas and Northwest Louisiana.

Investigation Opened Due to Social Media Threats in DeSoto Parish

At the beginning of the month, we covered a story where the DeSoto Parish Sheriff's Office were investigating a potential threat made on Social Media. According to the report at the time, DPSO was working with the FBI and other agencies to assess the threats. Ultimately, the agencies determined the TikTok video in question was not a credible threat and was ultimately trying to 'stoke fear and panic' among the public. However, the investigation into the matter remains open.

Despite the fact this ultimately wasn't a credible threat, the DeSoto Parish Sheriff's Office urged anyone that sees these kind of threats to take note, grab screenshots and contact them as to prevent any potential issues.

Juvenile Arrested in Cass County, Texas for Terrorizing

Following this incident on September 9th in DeSoto Parish, a similar threat was made on Snapchat in East Texas that included schools in Sulphur Springs, Gilmer and Texarkana on September 12th. Much like the incident in DeSoto Parish, no credible threat was found. That incident also remains under investigation.

However, on the following day, another threat surfaced on Snapchat. This time, several  agencies including the Texas Department of Public Safety, The Cass County Sheriff's Office and the Cass County District Attorney's Office and local school officials were able to track the threat back to a juvenile student located in Cass County.

While being interviewed, the student admitted to making the threat as a hoax. They were arrested for terroristic threats to a school.

You can read the full statement on the incident from the Cass County District Attorney's Office below:

The first incident occurred in the early morning hours of Thursday, September 12, 2024, when rumors of a threat to local schools began circulating on social media, particularly on Snapchat, a platform widely used by students and juveniles. Law enforcement, including the Atlanta Police Department and the Cass County Sheriff’s Department, quickly responded by conducting house visits and interviews to determine if any credible threat had been made. No imminent threat was identified at that time, but as a precaution, many local law enforcement agencies increased their presence in and around schools. Individuals with knowledge of the concerning statements and persons of interest were identified and questioned by investigators. This initial incident remains under review, and appropriate action will be taken as the investigation continues.

On the following morning, Friday, September 13, 2024, another threat surfaced on Snapchat. After a comprehensive investigation by the Texas Department of Public Safety – Criminal Investigation Division, in coordination with the Sheriff’s Office, Cass County District Attorney’s Office, and local school administrators, the threat was traced back to a juvenile in Cass County. Upon being questioned by law enforcement, the juvenile admitted to making the threat as a hoax. The juvenile has been arrested for terroristic threat to a school, and the case is now being handled by the Cass County Juvenile Probation Department in coordination with the District Attorney’s Office. Due to confidentiality laws related to juvenile criminal cases, we will not be able to provide any further details regarding the specific individual involved.

We understand the concern these incidents have caused, and we want to assure the public that the safety of our community, particularly our youth, is our top priority. Local law enforcement, school officials, and parents continue to work together to address the underlying causes of these actions and to promote a safe and accountable environment for all.

What Can Be Done To Stop Threats at Schools?

Whether you talk to the FBI, the DeSoto Parish Office, the Cass County Sheriff's Office or any number of law enforcement agencies, there's two main things that can be done to help cut back on these types of threats: If you see something, say something; talk to your kids about the seriousness of the situation.

First thing - if you you see something online that can be perceived as a threat, take a screenshot, write down the user name and contact police. I know, I know - sometimes you see something and you think "man, this is an obvious joke" or "I don't want to get anyone in trouble". But, in today's world, these incidents are happening way too often. So, reporting anything that seems potentially dangerous could save someone's life.

The second thing - is talk to your kids about the seriousness of making these types of jokes. You watch a high school comedy from the 80s and a kid would call in a bomb threat to get out of taking a test...they would get detention and everyone would have a laugh. Well, that kind of 'joke' or 'prank' is no longer a detention and slap on the wrist - it's a serious issue that can lead to criminal charges and stoke fear/panic in the community.

Whether you have kids of your own, mentor kids, coach kids...whatever, talking to them about the seriousness of the situation could prevent a lot of potential issues down the road.