Arrest Made Amid Wave Of Violent Threats Targeting MD Schools

MARYLAND — A 15-year-old was arrested in Baltimore County on Friday amid a string of recent online threats targeting Maryland schools, authorities said.

Around 6:30 a.m., police were asked to investigate a threat against Landsdowne schools posted on social media. After responding, authorities learned the schools were also targeted with additional threats by phone.

A spokesperson for Baltimore County Public Schools said authorities later determined the threats were not credible.

After confirming who had made the threats, officers took a 15-year-old Lansdowne High School student into custody, police said. He was charged with disruption to school activities and threatening a school, staff or student.

"I want you to be assured that the safety of our students is our top priority," district officials said in a text message sent to families. "It is important for all of us — students and parents alike — to inform school staff or police any time you or your child sees, hears or reads anything that is suspicious or that may pose a threat to the school or its students."

The threat is the latest in a wave of similar incidents targeting numerous Maryland schools.

In a news release, Anne Arundel County police said that over the past 36 hours, approximately 42 school threat tips were submitted statewide. The tips originated from various counties and schools across the state and were primarily shared on social media platforms.

Police said attempts to identify the individuals responsible for the threats are ongoing.

Anne Arundel police said the department had received 14 school violence threat tips in the past 24 hours, prompting immediate investigation.

While all threats were unfounded, police called them part of a regional and national trend.

"These incidents often originate on social media with misinformation or false narratives. The spreading or sharing of these rumors can cause fear and panic in schools, disrupting the learning environment and creating broader safety concerns in the community," Anne Arundel police said in a statement. "We urge you not to forward or share online threats of violence with anyone except the police department or school officials."

Threats should immediately be reported to school resource officers or school administrators. Tips may also be provided through the Safe Schools Maryland App.