School Threats Lead to Closures, Arrests in Houston and Nationwide

Houston-area schools have faced a troubling wave of threats this week, prompting closures, investigations and increased security measures in several districts.

Following recent online posts suggesting potential violence in Texas schools, districts such as Houston ISD have implemented new district-wide security measures.

Although many threats have proven to be less than credible, schools are taking no chances and are stepping up their efforts to protect students and staff in the face of a worrying increase in online threats.

At Billy Baines High School in Fort Bend ISD, Needville ISD High School and Sharpstown International School, students and staff were quarantined following reports of potential threats. While officials found no credible danger in those cases, the incidents highlighted growing concerns about school safety. The Sharpstown threat on Friday, Sept. 13, also sent parents into a panic, with about 200 heading to the school either to pick up their children or to see for themselves that everything was okay.

Meanwhile, in Channelview, a student was arrested and charged with a felony after making an online threat against Channelview High School.

In another incident, Cleveland ISD investigated a shooting threat at Cleveland Middle School on September 9. Although the threat was ultimately deemed unfounded, one person was arrested as a precautionary measure. Following the incident, Cleveland ISD increased law enforcement presence at the school to ensure the continued safety of students and staff.

These threats are not limited to Texas. The threat of school shootings and violence has become a growing national concern, and districts across the country are responding in a variety of ways.

School Threats on the Rise Nationwide

Some schools have canceled events, while others, like Joliet Public School District 86 in suburban Chicago, have moved to online learning as a precaution.

The Joliet district, along with nearby Troy Community School District 30-C, made the change following violent threats circulating on social media. The decision to move to online learning was made in consultation with law enforcement, as no credible evidence of danger was found. Still, the districts are taking the threats seriously and implementing additional safety precautions, including increased police presence on campuses and canceling all sporting events.

A case in Boston showed how far school districts will go to ensure safety. At McDevitt Middle School in Waltham, threats made on Snapchat led to increased police presence and a temporary backpack ban.

Although no weapons were found during the school search, the district is working with local and federal authorities to identify the individual responsible for the threats. The school has implemented new security protocols, including searching students' belongings upon entry.

In Florida, Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood is taking a very tough approach to school threats, demanding that those involved be punished to the fullest extent possible. After the threats led to multiple lockdowns and arrests, Chitwood announced that he would hold students and parents accountable by publicly shaming the offenders and posting their photos on social media.

The sheriff stressed that even threats made as a joke will result in serious consequences. In one Friday alone, the Chitwood department responded to 54 threats and arrested two middle school students who are now charged with crimes.

Study highlights increase in threats against schools

The rise in school threats has also sparked a national dialogue about how best to handle the situation. A 2023 study published by the American Psychological Association Threat Assessment and Management Journal analyzed 1,000 threats made against schools between 2018 and 2022.

The study found that in 40% of cases it was unclear whether the threats were real or a joke. While many threats turned out to be hoaxes, the consequences were real: 63.7% of cases resulted in arrests, with most individuals being prosecuted for serious crimes.

In Houston and across the country, schools are working closely with law enforcement to protect students and maintain safe learning environments. As security measures continue to be enhanced, officials are urging parents, students, and staff to remain vigilant. School officials are also encouraging open communication between families and law enforcement to respond quickly to any potential threats.