Fort Worth, Texas – Several school districts in North Texas are on high alert following an anonymous social media post that includes threats of violence aimed at specific campuses in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. The Fort Worth Police Department (FWPD) confirmed it is investigating a video circulating online featuring a masked individual brandishing a pistol in front of what appears to be a Nazi flag.
The FWPD’s Intelligence Exchange Section (INTEX) has assessed the video and stated that it does not pose a credible threat. According to the department, the video likely originated outside the United States and seems designed to incite fear. A similar threat was reported by a neighboring law enforcement agency earlier that day.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is also involved, confirming that it is monitoring the situation closely. “The FBI takes these threats seriously and is collaborating with local, state, and federal law enforcement partners to gather and act upon any threat information,” the agency stated.
In light of the threats, the FBI encourages the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity immediately. Individuals can submit tips to 1-800-CALL-FBI or through the FBI’s online form at https://tips.fbi.gov.
Local Schools Implement Safety Measures
In response to the threats, Diamond Hill-Jarvis High School Principal Paola Rodriguez announced that the school would remain on a secure status throughout the day on March 12, 2024, as a precaution. The “secure” status entails that all students and staff stay indoors, with locked exterior doors and restricted access to the building. Normal classroom activities continue, albeit with heightened awareness and additional safety measures.
The Eagle Mountain-Saginaw Independent School District (ISD) police department is also taking precautions regarding a threat mentioning Watson High School. Along with the Fort Worth police and the Tarrant County Sheriff’s Office, they have implemented increased safety protocols to ensure the well-being of students.
The River Oaks Police Department has similarly addressed the threat, noting that Castleberry High School was identified in the social media post. An increased law enforcement presence is expected around all Castleberry ISD properties in response to the situation.
Lake Dallas ISD has also communicated with families regarding a social media threat referencing several schools, including Lake Dallas High School. In their release, Chadd Springer, Chief of Police for Lake Dallas ISD, confirmed ongoing communication with the FBI, the Texas Department of Public Safety, and local law enforcement to monitor the accounts behind the threats.
The situation remains fluid, and local authorities are committed to ensuring student safety while investigating the source of the threats.