Across U.S., copycat threats keeping schools on edge

Story Highlights

• FBI reports there have been as many as 40 threats to schools since Monday
• None of the threats against the schools was deemed to be credible
• One person was arrested in California for posting a threat on the Internet
• FBI officials say extensive media coverage could be to blame for threats

Adjust font size:

WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Law enforcement agencies across the nation have received as many as 40 copycat threats to schools since Monday's Virginia Tech massacre, according to the FBI.

Schools in New York, New Jersey, Minnesota, California, Washington and Texas were among those receiving threats. The bureau said authorities will do everything they can to figure out who is responsible.

One student was arrested at Todd Beamer High School in Federal Way, Washington, after a parent phoned in a tip, according to Debra Stenberg, spokeswoman for the Federal Way Public School System.

The parent had received a text message from her daughter that she believed a student was carrying a gun. The school resource officer and the school principal confronted the student in a hallway and found the student was carrying three handguns and extra ammunition.

The school was locked down, and students were held in class for about an hour before they were dismissed.

A second student was searched but not taken into custody, Stenberg said.

Threats not credible

While investigations are ongoing, so far, none of the threats have been deemed credible, FBI spokesman Richard Kolko told CNN late Thursday afternoon.

About half of the reports, which have included threats to carry out shootings and bombings, were aimed at colleges, and the other half at other types of schools, officials said.

One man, Cristobal Fernando Gonzalez, was arrested Wednesday in San Diego for making a false threat against students at San Diego State University, the U.S. Attorney's Office said.

A criminal complaint alleges Gonzalez, a Web designer, admitted to the FBI he posted an online threat to drum up business to his Web site. No attorney was listed in court papers for Gonzalez.

"People should not consider this a joke, and it needs to stop," Kolko said. "These threats are abhorrent, and those that make them will be subject to prosecution and significant prison time. Each threat is fully investigated by the FBI with other federal, state and local partners."

He added: "Although it is a drain on resources, every threat is taken seriously. Any suspicious activity should be reported to the authorities."

Media could inspire copycats

Kolko said the "wall-to-wall media coverage" of the Virginia Tech shootings "could certainly be a factor in some of the copycat threats. It is possible the coverage could inspire others seeking publicity or attention."

Tools:
Save |
Print |
E-mail |
Most Popular |

Next story in U.S.

U.S.

What are E-mail Alerts? | Manage Alerts | Create Your Own

Get up-to-the minute news from CNN

CNN.com gives you the latest stories and video from the around the world, with in-depth coverage of U.S. news, politics, entertainment, health, crime, tech and more.