North Texas schools respond to surge in hoax violence threats
- Several North Texas school districts increased police patrols due to a rise in online threats of violence.
- The threats, which were not deemed credible, led to the rescheduling of football games and heightened security measures.
- Officials are taking these actions as a precaution to ensure the safety of students and staff.
In response to a recent surge of online threats of violence against schools in North Texas, several school districts have increased police presence around their campuses. The threats, which originated from areas including Waxahachie and Kemp, were not considered credible, yet they prompted significant safety measures. The Dallas Independent School District (DISD) reported numerous social media posts depicting firearms and threatening school shootings, leading to heightened security at all Dallas high schools. The situation escalated following a tragic incident where a 17-year-old was shot and killed after a football game at Kincaid Stadium. This violence has heightened concerns among school officials and law enforcement, prompting them to take precautionary actions. In Fort Worth, Wedgwood Middle School also assigned officers to ensure student safety. As a result of these threats and the recent violence, several football games have been rescheduled or relocated. For instance, the rivalry game between Lincoln and Madison was moved from Thursday to Saturday morning. Similarly, the Kimball versus Midlothian game is now set to take place in Midlothian instead of Dallas. Officials, including DISD Police Chief Albert Martinez, emphasized that the increased police presence and changes to game schedules are proactive measures aimed at ensuring student safety, rather than reactions to credible threats. The districts are committed to maintaining a secure environment for students and staff amid these unsettling circumstances.