Several school districts in North Texas are alerting families about an anonymous social media post that includes threats of violence against specific campuses in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. The Fort Worth Police Department (FWPD) confirmed awareness of a video that features a masked individual holding a pistol in front of what appears to be a Nazi flag.
The FWPD’s Intelligence Exchange Section (INTEX) indicated that it has strong reasons to believe the video is not a credible threat. According to the department, the video likely originated outside of the United States and appears designed to incite fear among the public. “FWPD INTEX will continue to closely monitor the situation for related information,” the department stated in a news release.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is also investigating the threats. “The FBI takes these threats seriously. We are working with our local, state, and federal law enforcement partners to gather, share, and act upon threat information as we become aware of it,” the agency noted in a statement to FOX 4.
Safety Protocols Implemented Across Districts
In light of the threats, Diamond Hill-Jarvis High School Principal Paola Rodriguez announced that the school would remain in a secure status throughout the day on March 5, 2024. This precaution keeps all students and staff inside the building, locks exterior doors, and restricts entrances and exits. During this protocol, classroom instruction continues as normal, but with heightened awareness and additional safety measures.
The Eagle Mountain-Saginaw ISD police are also responding to an online threat mentioning Watson High School. The district’s police department, in cooperation with Fort Worth police and the Tarrant County Sheriff’s Office, has put additional safety protocols in place due to this threat.
The River Oaks Police Department confirmed that Castleberry High School was among the schools referenced in the social media threat. The police department announced an increased law enforcement presence around all Castleberry Independent School District (ISD) properties.
Lake Dallas ISD has also informed families about a social media threat that includes several schools across Texas, with Lake Dallas High School cited as one of the affected institutions. The district’s Chief of Police, Chadd Springer, has been in constant communication with the FBI, Texas Department of Public Safety, and local law enforcement agencies to monitor the accounts responsible for the ongoing posts.
Public Vigilance Encouraged
In light of these events, the FBI has urged the public to remain vigilant. Residents are encouraged to report any suspicious activity to local law enforcement immediately. Tips can be submitted via the FBI’s dedicated line at 1-800-CALL-FBI or through the FBI’s online tip portal at https://tips.fbi.gov.
As the situation continues to develop, law enforcement agencies remain committed to ensuring the safety of students and the community. The collaboration between local and federal authorities exemplifies a proactive approach to addressing threats and maintaining security in schools across North Texas.
