Uvalde and San Antonio schools were recently the targets of disturbing hoax calls falsely reporting active shootings, the Uvalde Police Department reported. The incidents, which occurred on January 16 and 17, prompted a swift law enforcement response and caused ripple effects of fear throughout the community. According to the Express News, officials have linked these hoaxes, also known as swatting, to a juvenile in New York State, who admitted to making the prank calls to Texas and Florida authorities. Despite the confession, no arrests have yet been made, with the investigation still underway.
Following these harrowing events, Uvalde CISD and Uvalde PD are actively investigating a "concerning" social media post that alluded to potential violence at Uvalde High School. "Our district and local law enforcement take social media threats very seriously and will prosecute those who make such threats when possible," Uvalde CISD Superintendent Ashley Chohlis said, as reported by KENS 5. As a precautionary measure, additional law enforcement personnel will be positioned on campuses.
In light of the recent hoax calls, Uvalde police emphasized the seriousness with which they address threats to their community. "We take all threats to our community seriously, as do our mutual aid agencies," stated Uvalde Police Chief Homer Delgado. He also stressed the significant resource diversion these false reports cause, as noted by Express News. Multiple law enforcement agencies, including Uvalde CISD Police Department, Edgewood ISD Police Department, and San Antonio Police Department, collaborated to respond to these hoaxes.
The response to these threats includes constant monitoring of social media for any alarming content. Uvalde CISD has urged parents, guardians, and faculty to stay vigilant and keep communication open. The district reassures that updates will be provided as they work with local and state agencies on the investigation, as mentioned by KENS 5.
