Source: US FBI
Between getting notebooks and backpacks ready to go for the first day of school, FBI Pittsburgh reminds the public that making hoax threats in any way, shape, or fashion is a serious criminal offense with lasting consequences.
Whether spoken, written, posted online, or shared on social media, making a hoax threat of violence is a criminal act wherein a student can face serious consequences with a profound impact on their future. Calling in a fake threat of violence, even if it was meant to be a joke, is a state crime as well as a federal crime.
Hoax threats lead to the suspension or expulsion of the student in most cases. In some, it leads to arrest and imprisonment.
“The FBI does not take chances with threats regardless of the intent,” said FBI Pittsburgh Special Agent in Charge Kevin Rojek. “Hoax threats divert critical public safety resources, disrupt classes, and can leave students and parents terrified. If the FBI and our law enforcement partners determine you are responsible for making or sharing a threat, we will pursue justice to the fullest extent of the law. Your life could be ruined by something you thought was only a joke. Think before you act.”
Once a threat is reported, law enforcement acts quickly. Each threat of violence is treated as credible until proven otherwise because lives can depend on it. It does not matter if you speak it, text it, or post it on social media, even false threats can cause real harm. It puts a strain on school administrators and teachers, law enforcement at all levels, students, parents, and the community as a whole.
Many websites, apps, and social media platforms now utilize both AI tools and teams of human moderators to review and report language that could be considered threatening. This can include language posted in private group chats.
If you come across a written or posted school-related threat, do not simply repost it or share it. You need to immediately report it to a parent, trusted adult, teacher, school administrator, local law enforcement or the FBI Pittsburgh Field Office.
Tips can be submitted online at tips.fbi.gov. The FBI Pittsburgh Field Office can be reached at (412) 432-4000. Another reporting avenue is by calling 1-800-CALL-FBI.
For more information, please visit: Hoax Threats Are Crimes—FBI