'Hoax Threats' Mentioning Alexandria Schools Investigated By Police

ALEXANDRIA, VA — Alexandria City Public Schools is one of the region's school districts being impacted by school threats reported on social media, according to Alexandria Police. So far, the "hoax threats" were found to be not credible.

The police department released a statement regarding social media threats made against ACPS mentioning no specific school. The recent social media posts mentioned pulling a fire alarm followed by a school shooting.

Alexandria Police conducted an investigation with the Northern Virginia Regional Intelligence Center, which is a fusion center with U.S. Homeland Security. The threats were found to be not credible, but residents continue to raise concerns as the social media posts are still being recirculated.

Police say similar school threats have been reported in Virginia and nationwide. On Monday, Alexandria City High School's King Street and Minnie Howard campuses were temporarily put on a hold status due to a threat investigation. No credible threats were identified after a threat assessment by high school leaders and Alexandria Police.

"APD takes seriously and fully investigates any threat to our community’s safety," the police department said in a statement. "Those who perpetrate threats of violence will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

In Virginia, it is a Class 6 felony to communicate a threat, including electronically, at a school, school-sponsored event or school bus.

Police asked that residents share suspected threats directly with the police department, instead of on social media. Concerns about suspicious activity may be reported to the police non-emergency number 703-746-4444, and emergencies should be directed to 911.