Middle School Student Arrested In Connection With Social Media Threat: West Haven PD

WEST HAVEN, CT — A Bailey Middle School student has been arrested and charged in connection with the recent “Cat in the Hat” school threat posted on social media, police announced on Monday.

School officials said on Sunday that there would be an increased police presence at Bailey Middle School due to a threatening trend on social media that mentioned the school.

Officials said a recent “Cat in the Hat” social media threat circulating on TikTok and other platforms mentioned Bailey Middle School in connection with the trend.

The “Cat in the Hat” trend involves videos and images depicting the Dr. Seuss character, inspired by the Mike Myers version in the 2003 movie, appearing to lurk outside homes, schools, and other locations, often at night, according to ABC News. The depictions appear to be generated by using artificial intelligence, ABC News reports.

“The West Haven Police Department worked swiftly and collaboratively with the West Haven Board of Education to investigate and resolve this matter and ensure the safety of our students, staff, and schools,” police wrote in a post on Facebook. “The West Haven Police Department takes any threat directed toward our schools, staff, or students extremely seriously. We will continue to investigate all threats thoroughly, utilize every available resource, and take appropriate enforcement action to hold those responsible accountable.”

Police said the student has been arrested and the “matter has been forwarded to the Board of Education for further review.”

“We appreciate the cooperation of the school administration, staff, students, parents, and community members who assisted law enforcement in addressing this incident,” police wrote. “The safety of our schools remains our highest priority.”