Two 13-year-olds have been arrested and charged with making terroristic threats in a saga that sent schools and parents reeling in the tri-county area over the weekend.
The threats were spread widely on social media over the weekend from several pages. The original pages that posted the threats no longer exist, but screenshots were repeatedly shared on various social media pages.
The threats named several schools between Montgomery, Autauga and Elmore Counties and contained vague and menacing references to harming children at sundry schools and shooting at school buses. The threats repeatedly warned parents to keep their kids out of school.
Law enforcement and public school systems in the tri-county swiftly responded by acknowledging the threats and reassuring parents of school safety and law enforcement presence at the schools.
Montgomery and Autauga County schools stated they would be excusing all student absences in light of the threats. However, Elmore County said it would be excusing absences only after several parents claimed on social media that Superintendent Richard Dennis stated the opposite.
Several schools in the area also canceled sporting events, practices and other extracurricular activities. Several parents who spoke to 1819 News described a significant number of students not attending school on Monday morning, with one saying there were “hardly any students at all.”
On Monday morning, the Montgomery Police Department announced the arrest of two unnamed 13-year-old suspects. They did not release the names or photos of the suspects but did say they were male and female. Both were transported to the Montgomery County Youth Detention Facility
“Upon learning of the social media posts yesterday, the Montgomery Police Department quickly took action,” the MPD said in a statement after the first arrest. “Threats of gun violence in our school system, whether online or in person, are treated with utmost seriousness by MPD. Our investigators worked diligently and in close partnership with the Montgomery Public School System and local and federal partners to identify and apprehend the individual responsible for this threat.”
The arrests did not stop the continuous rumor mill and false information on social media. Dozens of posts falsely claimed there was an active shooter or other incidents in Holtville, Millbrook and Prattville. The rampant speculation caused law enforcement in Prattville to issue a scathing post, blasting those spreading the unfounded rumors online.
Interim MPD Chief James Graboys released a statement following the arrests, applauding law enforcement's swift actions and emphasizing the desire for school safety.
"Threats of gun violence in our school system, whether online or in person, are treated with utmost seriousness by MPD," Graboys said. "Our investigators worked diligently and closely with the Montgomery Public School System and local and federal partners to identify and apprehend the individuals responsible for these threats."
"The Montgomery Police Department wants to reassure the community that the safety and security of our schools and students is our top priority," he added. "We will continue working tirelessly to prevent and address potential threats to our educational institutions. We thank the public for their vigilance and cooperation in helping us maintain a safe learning environment for all."
The most recent threats came after a rash of similar online threats across the state and in the area.
Last week, a football game between Tallassee High School and Elmore County High School was called off, and the premises were evacuated after halftime after a threat of gun violence led school officials and law enforcement to postpone the game.
To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email craig.monger@1819news.com.
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