DA and schools issue response to school bomb threat
Several months back the Brookshire’s stores were threatened with a bomb threat hoax. It has recently happened again in Cass County and the Northeast Texas area. District Attorney Courtney Shelton issues this press release on September 16 with the hopes of community conversations with area youth.
The Cass County District Attorney’s Office, in partnership with the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) and the Cass County Sheriff ’s Department, would like to address recent incidents this past week of threats being made against some local schools. Unfortunately, these types of threats and hoaxes have been occurring more frequently in communities across the country - including in Sulphur Springs, Gilmer, and recently Texarkana, and Cass County is not immune. We want to reassure the public that each of these incidents is being thoroughly investigated, and we remain committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of oil Cass County residents_ The first incident occurred in the early morning hours of Thursday, September 12, 2024, when rumors of a threat to local schools began circulating on. social media, particularly on Snapchat, a platform widely used by students and juveniles. Law enforcement, including the Atlanta Police Department and the Cass County Sheriff ’s Department, quickly responded by conducting house visits and interviews to determine if any credible threat had been made. No imminent threat was identified at that time but as a _precaution. many local law enforcement agencies increased their presence in and around. schools. Individuals with knowledge of the concerning statements and persons of interest were identified and questioned by investigators. This initial incident remains under review, and appropriate action will be taken as the investigation continues.
On the following morning, Friday, September 13, 2024, another threat surfaced on Snapchat. After a comprehensive investigation by the Texas Department of Public Safety - Criminal Investigation Division, in coordination with the Sheriff ’s Office, Cass County District Attorney’s Office and local school administrators, the threat was traced back to a juvenile in Cass County. Upon being questioned by law enforcement, the juvenile admitted to making the threat as a hoax. The juvenile has been arrested for terroristic threats to a school, and the case is now being handled by the Cass County Juvenile Probation Department in coordination with the District Attorney’s Office. Due to confidentiality laws related to juvenile criminal cases, we will not be able to provide any further details regarding the specific individual involved.
We understand the concern these incidents have caused, and we want to assure the _public that the safety of our community, particularly our youth, is our top priority. Local law enforcement, school officials, and. parents continue to work together to address the underlying causes of these actions and to promote a safe and accountable environment for all.
We strongly urge parents, guardians, and community members to remain vigilant, to speak with their children about the seriousness of making threats even as a joke. and monitor their children’s social media activity. Additionally, we encourage anyone with concerns or information about potential threats to report them immediately to law enforcement so that we can respond swiftly and effectively.
Atlanta ISD sent a letter to parents last week after the threat was announced as well.
“Although the threat received last night was not directed at our school specifically, we took precautionary measures to ensure the continued safety of our community. Working closely with the Atlanta Police Department, the Cass County Sheriff ’s Department, and the Department of Public Safety, the threat was thoroughly investigated and deemed non-credible.
“Out of an abundance of caution, we increased security on all campuses today. We want to emphasize that no students or staff were in immediate danger, and these actions were taken to provide an added layer of security and peace of mind.
“We appreciate the support and cooperation of our community as we prioritize the well-being of our students.”