NEW ORLEANS — Three students have been arrested following a wave of violent threats that forced multiple New Orleans schools to shut down for two consecutive days, authorities said Friday.
New Orleans Police Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick issued a stern warning to those behind the menacing social media posts.
"I am committed to making sure that this stops," Kirkpatrick said. "I am not a tough talker. I am not a cheap talker. But I’m going to be very clear with you we are coming for you.”
Police say the arrested students ranged in age from 11 to 16.
So far, threats have disrupted at least 16 schools across the city. The threats included plans to "shoot up" schools, and investigators confirmed one post contained a "hit list."
The threats prompted Carver High School to dismiss early Friday, while Schaumburg and Bethune elementary schools went into lockdown.
New Orleans Public Schools Police Chief Isaac Johnson said many of these incidents stem from bullying. "We are asking our scholars to seek counseling from the counselors at school or use the app, Safe Schools Louisiana to report it," Johnson said.
Kirkpatrick emphasized that what students might consider a prank is a serious crime of terrorizing that will be prosecuted. "It’s one of those areas you don’t want to play copycat here. You don’t want to do that because I am serious. We can trace you and we will address each and every one of you," she said.
While no actual violence has occurred, police urged the public to report threatening posts rather than share them. The arrested students have been charged with terrorizing and face possible expulsion from school.
Officials address school threats in New Orleans
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