AMARILLO POLICE DEPARTMENT
MEDIA/PUBLIC RELEASE
DATE: September 11, 2024
TIME:
CASE NUMBER:
INCIDENT TYPE: False report/Threats
OFFICER SUBMITTING RELEASE: Sgt. Carla Burr-PIO
DETAILS:
**Amarillo Police Respond to Social Media Threats**
On Monday evening, September 9, 2024, Amarillo Police Department School Liaison Officers were notified of a vague, non-specific threat of violence circulating on social media. A concerned student at Austin Middle School brought the matter to the attention of authorities.
It is important to note that there were **no threats made towards any Amarillo schools or students**.
However, out of an abundance of caution, and because the Amarillo Police Department takes all threats against schools and students seriously, additional officers were present at Austin Middle School Monday morning. The increased presence was to provide reassurance to students, staff, parents, and the community that the safety of our children is our top priority.
On Tuesday, an unrelated threat directed at three Amarillo middle schools began circulating on social media. The Amarillo Police Department immediately launched an investigation using School Liaison and Proactive Criminal Enforcement (PACE) officers. After following all leads, the threat was determined to be a false report. Nonetheless, we increased officer presence at those schools as a precaution until the situation was fully resolved.
The police department encourages students and parents to report threats or threatening behavior to law enforcement. However, we strongly discourage spreading social media information that has not been reported to and/or verified by law enforcement or school officials.
For further information, please contact the Amarillo Police Department- 806-378-4257
#AmarilloPD #SchoolSafety #CommunityReassurance #ProtectingOurChildren
