Surge in School Threats Across Texas: A Worrying Trend

Just weeks into the new school year, Texas school districts have faced a disturbing wave of threats, forcing schools to heighten security and respond to safety concerns. As of this month, at least 20 schools across the state have reported various forms of violence or terroristic threats, made both by students and external individuals. From Central Texas to the Rio Grande Valley, communities are grappling with the repercussions of this alarming trend.

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Central Texas Schools on Alert

In Central Texas, several schools have had to take action. Four students from Bastrop Middle School were arrested after making non-credible threats on social media. The same day, two Pflugerville ISD students were detained for similar actions involving multiple campuses, including Weiss High School. In Austin, patrols were increased at Hill Elementary School following a threat that led to the arrest of a suspect for making terroristic threats. Hays Consolidated Independent School District also reported the arrest of a sixth grader charged with a felony for making a false report, while Westlake High School saw one of its students detained after making concerning comments on Snapchat.

Similar incidents occurred in other parts of Texas. Marble Falls ISD and Llano ISD increased patrols after receiving threats, while Del Valle High School seized a weapon from a student following a threat made on campus.

Broader Threats in Lubbock, Amarillo, and Beyond

In Lubbock, five juvenile suspects were investigated after bomb threats targeted several schools, including Coronado and Frenship High Schools. In Amarillo, a circulating nationwide hoax about a school shooting led to a significant police presence at Dalhart ISD. Although the threat was deemed non-credible, authorities did not take any chances.

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The Rio Grande Valley also experienced a spate of threats. Both Edinburg and McAllen school districts were targeted in an online threat that led to the FBI arresting a Kansas City teenager. In Progreso, a former security guard was arrested for reportedly planning to shoot teachers and bomb a high school. Elsewhere, a minor and a teenager were arrested after making social media posts that depicted firearms.

In Wichita Falls, a City View High School student was charged with making a terroristic threat after posting a Snapchat photo of an AR-15 and other weapons. San Angelo schools also came under scrutiny, with local police investigating rumors of potential threats against Central High School, though these were later debunked.

El Paso Not Immune to the Rising Threats

In El Paso, schools have also faced an increase in threats just weeks into the school year. While officials take every report seriously, they’ve expressed concern over the number of false alarms. Police are now urging students to be more responsible with their reporting, as each threat requires a full response, even if it turns out to be a hoax. This puts a strain on resources and affects the safety of the entire community.

Lawmakers Respond to the Crisis

As Texas schools continue to face this surge of threats, lawmakers in Austin are re-evaluating the state’s approach to school safety. During a Wednesday meeting, officials reviewed the implementation of House Bill 3, a law passed after the Uvalde tragedy that mandates extensive security upgrades at schools, including the requirement of armed officers or security personnel on every campus. However, many districts are struggling to comply due to a lack of funding.

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State Rep. Steve Allison, R-San Antonio, acknowledged that Texas has created "another unfunded mandate for something very important," noting that the $15,000 per campus provided by the law is insufficient to cover the costs of hiring full-time armed officers.

Dr. Kathy Martinez-Prather of the Texas School Safety Center also noted the rise in threats could be linked to the “contagion effect,” where threats spike after a high-profile event such as the recent school shooting in Georgia.

A Growing Concern

The increase in threats to Texas schools has sparked widespread concern among educators, parents, and lawmakers. With students’ safety on the line, schools and communities are working together to prevent violence while state leaders push for stronger, more fully funded safety measures.