Source: US FBI
As students across the country and our communities return to the classroom this fall, FBI Philadelphia reminds the public that making hoax threats – whether spoken, written, posted online, or shared on social media – is a serious criminal offense with lasting consequences.
Making a hoax threat of violence is a criminal act where a student can face serious consequences that can have a profound impact on their future. Even if it was meant to be a joke, calling in a fake threat of violence is a state crime as well as a federal crime. In most cases, joke or not, hoax threats lead to the suspension or expulsion of the student, and in some cases arrest and imprisonment.
“The FBI takes every threat seriously – regardless of intent,” said Wayne A. Jacobs, special agent in charge of FBI Philadelphia. “Hoax threats not only disrupt the community and divert law enforcement resources, but they can also ruin the perpetrators life. Making a threat, whether spoken, texted, or posted online – is a federal crime with serious consequences. What may seem like a joke can quickly become a life-altering mistake. Think before you act.”
Law enforcement is required to act once a threat is reported. It doesn’t matter if you say it, text it, or post it on social media, law enforcement handles each threat of violence as credible until proven otherwise. Even false threats can cause real harm – putting strain on students, school personnel, law enforcement and the community as a whole.
Multiple social media sites now self-report on verbiage they deem threatening in nature, even if the hoax threat was posted in a private group chat.
If you see a threat of violence such as a school shooting or bombing threat, or other any related threat posted on social media or sent in a text message, immediately contact local law enforcement or your local FBI field office.
Tips can be submitted online at tips.fbi.gov. FBI Philadelphia can be reached at (215) 418-4000.
For more information, visit: Hoax Threats are Crimes — FBI