TEMPLE, Texas — Students and parents across Texas are grappling with heightened concerns following a series of social media threats targeting schools throughout the week. Although authorities have assured that these threats are not credible, the anxiety and disruption they have caused in local communities are noticeable.
This threat surge is not only in Texas; it's a trend affecting schools nationwide. These threats often appear as pictures or videos on social media featuring the names of specific schools. Such posts quickly make their way to the news feeds of parents and students, creating widespread alarm.
"Even though these threats may seem mundane to those making them, they create a significant amount of work for local school districts," said Copperas Cove ISD Superintendent Joseph Burns. "We take every threat seriously because our priority is the safety of our students and staff. We want to ensure that everyone gets to go home safely at the end of the day."
Burns noted that many of these threats have originated from individuals outside Texas and even from other countries. He emphasized the importance of caution and reporting.
"If anyone sees these threats online, they should immediately inform their local school district or police," Burns advised.
At Copperas Cove ISD, faculty and students are trained to respond to potential active shooter situations.
"When faculty or police are made aware of a threat, they treat it as real until they receive the all-clear," Burns said. "It's crucial for students to understand their role in keeping schools safe. If they see something, they should say something."
As the investigation into these threats continues, schools across the state reinforce their safety measures and maintain close communication with law enforcement to ensure a secure environment for all students and staff.
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