Valley School Districts Scrutinize Social Media Threats Amid Fears of Unrest, Assert Lack of Credibility

The Buckeye Police Department has reported receiving over 300 calls from concerned citizens this past week regarding threats of school shootings.

In response, Buckeye Union High School implemented lockdown protocols on Thursday while police investigated potential threats circulating on social media. A 13-year-old girl was taken into custody following a tip related to a possible shooting threat. Additionally, another student from the same school was arrested for allegedly falsely reporting a firearm on campus.

This alarming trend is not limited to Buckeye. The Dysart Unified School District issued a statement urging students and parents to disregard the online threats, labeling them as false and unsubstantiated. These threats have been linked to recognized hoaxes affecting multiple local school districts.

Local law enforcement officials maintain that there is no credible threat, allowing schools to continue normal operations. The El Mirage Police Department also reassured the community that reported threats do not pertain to their district, emphasizing the absence of verified dangers.

The Tempe Union High School District is currently collaborating with law enforcement to probe threats that have emerged on Snapchat. Although ongoing, they too do not consider these threats credible, noting that similar reports have surfaced in over 100 schools across Arizona, seemingly intended to instill fear within school environments.

The surge in reported threats follows a recent tragic shooting at a school in Georgia, prompting heightened vigilance from various law enforcement agencies across Arizona. Experts in school safety are underscoring the unpredictable nature of such threats, emphasizing the need for a measured response.

James Englert, vice president of the National Association of School Resource Officers, highlighted that determining someone’s true intent can be challenging. Dr. Kenneth Trump, president of National School Safety and Security Services, added that the propensity for a “contagion effect” complicates how school officials respond to potential threats.

School administrations are tasked with evaluating threats carefully to avoid unnecessary disruptions. Dr. Trump advised that officials should prepare to enhance security procedures, even if initial assessments deem the threat non-credible.