FBI Speaks On Serious Danger Involving Swat Calls And Prank Threats At School

CHICAGO—As students head back to class across the Chicago area this week, the FBI reminds students and parents that making “prank” threats about bombs and mass shootings has criminal consequences.

Students who post threats of violence, even jokingly, whether done verbally, written, posted online, or messaged on social media platforms, face serious consequences that can impact their futures.

“Regardless of intent, the FBI and our law enforcement partners take all alleged threats of violence seriously,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Ryan Whalen of the Chicago Field FBI Office. “From school consequences to federal violations, students often face suspension or expulsion, arrest, and even imprisonment. Threats disrupt and divert dedicated law enforcement resources and impact our community’s overall safety.”

Every year, the FBI’s National Threat Operations Center says it receives thousands of tips containing threats of violence at schools. Submissions range from directed threats to cryptic posts on social media. These tips help the FBI thwart criminal activity before something dangerous happens. However, these tips also lead us to individuals who say it was a joke.

Prank threats endanger the public as victims and first responders can be harmed, emergency responders are pulled from true crises, and schools and communities deal with emotional consequences, like stress, fear, and trauma.

The FBI works closely with law enforcement partners to determine the credibility of a threat, share information, and take appropriate investigative action. Increasingly, social media sites now self-report language to law enforcement that they deem threatening in nature, even if the threat was posted in a private group chat. The FBI also works with prosecutors to use the full force of the federal and state judicial system to pursue and prosecute anyone who makes threats in our community.

If you see a threat of violence, such as a school shooting or bombing threat, immediately contact local law enforcement at 9-1-1, or 1-800-CALL-FBI (225-5324). Tips can be submitted online at tips.fbi.gov.

For more information, visit: Hoax Threats are Crimes — FBI.