CENTRE COUNTY — Pennsylvania students are gearing up to return to the classroom this fall, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation in Philadelphia issued a statement to remind the public that hoax threats have lasting consequences and are a serious criminal offense. Those include threats spoken, written, posted online or shared on social media.
“The FBI takes every threat seriously — regardless of intent,” Wayne A. Jacobs, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Philadelphia, said.
“Hoax threats not only disrupt the community and divert law enforcement resources, but they can also ruin the perpetrator’s life. Making a threat, whether spoken, texted or posted online, is a federal crime with serious consequences. What may seem like a joke can quickly become a life-altering mistake. Think before you act.”
According to the FBI Philly, even if it were meant as a joke, hoax threats of violence are both a state and federal crime and have serious repercussions that can impact one’s future. In the majority of cases, hoax threats have led to student suspension or expulsion and in some cases, even an arrest or jail time.
“Law enforcement is required to act once a threat is reported. It doesn’t matter if you say it, text it or post it on social media, law enforcement handles each threat of violence as credible until proven otherwise,” the FBI Philly explained in a news release.
“Even false threats can cause real harm — putting strain on students, school personnel, law enforcement and the community as a whole.”
Several social media platforms now have the ability to self-report on language deemed threatening, even if made in a private group chat. Still, the FBI Philly encourages anyone who sees a threat of violence, such as a bombing threat, shooting threat or any other related threat of violence in a text or on social media to immediately get in touch with local law enforcement.
Tips can also be submitted online at tips.gbi.gov, or the Philadelphia office of the FBI can be reached at 215-418-4000.
