Authorities Seeing an Alarming Rise in Threats to Schools

ST. LOUIS - Schools in the St. Louis area and around the country have seen an alarming increase in threats in recent weeks, which are draining resources from those schools and the law enforcement agencies that respond.

Although those making the threats apparently think they are being funny, the threats are traumatizing students, parents and staff.

Contrary to popular belief, law enforcement can quickly identify the source of these threats. That information is then routed to the appropriate officials. In the case of minors, who are often making the threats, the information will be sent to school districts and the appropriate juvenile court system.

"Hoax threats are not a joke," said Special Agent in Charge Ashley T. Johnson of the FBI St. Louis Division. "Don't think you can hide. We will find you and hold you accountable."

Juvenile and school authorities are also taking the threats seriously. Some jurisdictions are detaining juveniles accused of making school threats. If found guilty, a minor could be placed under supervision, which is similar to probation or parole and could include GPS monitoring. They could also be removed from their home and placed in the custody of the Missouri Division of Youth Services.

Many schools suspend minors while an investigation is being conducted. They could then face a suspension of up to 180 days or expulsion from the school system.

Adults can be charged in state or federal court with a variety of crimes.

At the federal level, you can be sentenced up to 5 years in prison for making a hoax threat. If someone is injured, that sentence goes up to 20 years. If death occurs, you could be facing a life sentence.

But we also need your help. If you hear or see a threat, please do not share or repost it on social media - that only delays the process of identifying the original source of the threat, sometimes by hours or more. Call 911 or contact Missouri's school safety threat reporting system, Courage2Report, either online at https://p3campus.com/5250, by calling 866-748-7047 or texting C2R to 738477. You can file a report to prevent a shooting or other act of violence from happening, or report things that have happened, like bullying or harassment, that could get worse if people don't get help.