Boy's Phony Shooting Threat Taken Seriously By Law Enforcement

JEFFERSON COUNTY, AL - A Bragg Middle School student who posted a fake shooting threat on social media could face serious charges for what he says was a "prank." The 13-year-old student posted on social media on Thursday of last week that he received a message from a fellow student who planned on shooting up the school and for people he cares about not to come. The post, which the boy conjured himself, was made so that his parents would not make him go to school on Friday.

The post said, "I'm done with this school and all the people in it. Every day I get treated like (expletive) by people who I thought were my friends. So I'm shooting up the school tomorrow. I sent this to all the people I care about so don't come." A report by Alabama Media Group said the student made the post saying another student had issued that threat. It was taken down, but not before being shared multiple times statewide.

Authorities are pursuing a petition against the teen for Making a Terrorist Threat. He is also being disciplined by the school. (For more updates on this story and free news alerts for your neighborhood, sign up for your local Patch morning newsletter.)

Jefferson County Schools' released this statement about the incident:

"A 'prank' threat on Bragg Middle School circulated text messages and social media. Our administration became aware of this possible threat before 3 p.m. yesterday Their principal immediately informed the Jefferson County Sheriff's Department. The situation was investigated thoroughly by law enforcement and their investigation led to the source of the 'prank.' While we are thankful and relieved that there is no real threat to the students and staff of Bragg Middle School, we would like to take the opportunity to ask our parents to talk to their children so that our students will understand the severity of a threat. We are thankful for our administration at Bragg and the Jefferson County Sheriff's Department for their urgent attention to this matter. Safety is of the utmost importance to our school district and we look forward to continuing to serve the students, families, and communities of Jefferson County who help us keep our schools safe places where children can learn.

"As a result of this prank, the screenshot has now circulated to other schools in our district within the Gardendale, Fultondale, and Pinson zones. Again, we would like to stress the importance of parents talking to their children about making jokes that are inappropriate. Jokes cannot be made in regards to the safety and well-being of others. Please also share with your child the importance of being responsible with cell phones and social media networks."

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