Police charge 10-year-old with ‘terrorist threat’ after hoax school shooting post

Police in Kerrville, Texas, charged a 10-year-old with making a terrorist threat, accusing the child of posting a hoax on social media that threatened a school shooting. 

The 10-year-old, who was not named, made several posts threatening a school shooting Tuesday at Hal Peterson Middle School, according to police.

“No valid threat to Hal Peterson Middle School existed. The juvenile was charged with Texas Penal Code 22.07 Terrorist Threat, a felony of the third degree,” police said in a social media post.  

Police initiated an investigation after receiving multiple reports about the threats from concerned individuals. 

The agency warned against such threats and encouraged parents to have conversations about the dangers of hoaxes.

“The legal consequences for people who make threats, including juveniles, can be severe and permanent,” the police said. 

“We strongly urge parents to speak with their children about the seriousness of making threats, or posting information to social media that reference violence to our schools. Remind your children that school threats are a felony and will have serious consequences,” they added.  

The school shared the police department’s statement and later posted about how the school, a week before the threat, had started a “See Something Say Something” campaign.

“HPMS counselors were in classes last week and will continue this week as well. They introduced the ‘See Something Say Something’ campaign that is a national initiative to raise awareness about the importance of recognizing & reporting suspicious behavior,” the school said.