SAN ANTONIO – Since the beginning of the year, San Antonio has been grappling with an alarming rise in school threats and hoaxes. These incidents not only disrupt the educational environment but also instigate widespread panic among students, parents, and the community at large.
Justin Simmons, the U.S. attorney for the Western District of Texas, has emphasized the serious nature of these crimes, which can fall under federal jurisdiction. “We’re going to do everything we can from local, state, and federal levels to find the individuals responsible for these crimes and hold them accountable,” said Simmons.
The ramifications of school threats extend beyond immediate fear; they place a significant burden on law enforcement resources. Time, manpower, and equipment are unnecessarily wasted on responding to these false alarms, which could otherwise be allocated to more pressing issues. Simmons stated, “These crimes cause panic and fear, affecting not only the students but also their families and the broader community.”
Simmons pointed out that the method of communication plays a crucial role in determining the severity of the charges. “If you send an email, make a phone call, text, or post a threat on social media, those actions often have an interstate nexus that permits federal law enforcement to intervene,” he explained. This means that offenders could face federal charges, which carry severe penalties.
Consequences for those charged can be severe. At a minimum, individuals may face five years in prison, but if the threats result in injury or death, sentences can escalate significantly—up to life imprisonment in the most severe cases. “If someone is seriously injured, the punishment could range between 10 to 20 years. If someone dies as a result of your threat or hoax, you could face life in prison,” Simmons warned.
Moreover, the implications of a felony conviction extend beyond incarceration. Such a conviction would be visible on background checks conducted by potential employers, and it would also legally prohibit the individual from possessing a firearm under federal law. Simmons stressed that there are no valid excuses for committing these crimes, stating, “Saying you did it for fun on social media is not a defense. A joke is not a defense.” He further noted that even those who may not directly make the threat but are complicit in any manner could face the same legal consequences.
The seriousness of these threats cannot be understated. Simmons urged the public to treat any threat of violence seriously, stating, “If you see a threat or are asked to make a threat on someone’s behalf, report it immediately to local law enforcement.” The FBI and local law enforcement agencies continue to advocate for the public to “See something, say something.”
In addition to potential federal charges, those making hoax threats may also be subject to local and state penalties. Reports concerning school threats can be made to school administrators and local police, with options for anonymous tips available through Crime Stoppers at **T-I-P-S (8477) or online, as well as through the FBI at tips.fbi.gov.
