FBI Addresses Mounting Number Of Pittsburgh-Area School Threats

PITTSBURGH, PA — The FBI's Pittsburgh office on Wednesday issued strong advice for anyone thinking of threatening violence at a school: Don't do it.

A rash of threats directed toward Pittsburgh-area and West Virginia schools since the latest fatal school shooting last week in Georgia prompted the bureau to issue a statement reminding people of the consequences of such actions.

"Issuing a threat of any kind promoting violence can be a violation of state and/or federal law," the FBI statement said. "Those found responsible will be thoroughly investigated and FBI Pittsburgh will immediately engage with our local,state, and federal partners to leverage the full extent of the law."

On Wednesday, threats were issued to at least two Western Pennsylvania school districts in Butler and Armstrong counties. On Tuesday, a teen was arrested for allegedly making a bomb threat at an Indiana County school.

Similar threats have been issued to multiple schools in West Virginia, according to the FBI.

"We remain in close coordination with our law enforcement partners to provide assistance where appropriate. That includes gathering intelligence, sharing information, tracking down leads, and working with partners to identify and mitigate threats quickly and effectively," the FBI statement said.

"These threats disrupt school, waste resources, and put first responders and innocent people in unnecessary danger."