ARLINGTON, TX — Sam Houston High School was placed under an urgent lockdown Friday morning after the Arlington Police Department (APD) was alerted to a potential threat circulating on social media. The incident, which caused widespread disruption and fear, concluded with the arrest of two juvenile students.
The lockdown was initiated following an online post that suggested a weapon may have been present on campus. APD officers responded immediately and, through rapid investigation, identified two juvenile suspects. Police determined that the alleged threat stemmed from photos shared online in which the students were posing with a toy gun.
The Arlington Police Department confirmed emphatically that there was no shooting, no injuries, and no legitimate threat of violence at any time. The lockdown was subsequently lifted, and normal school operations resumed.
Both students were arrested and charged with Terroristic Threat and have been transported to the Tarrant County Juvenile Detention Center.
In a formal statement, the Arlington Police Department addressed the seriousness of the situation: “The safety of our schools is not something we take lightly. This incident resulted in widespread fear and interruption to the school day, which we can’t have.” The department also stressed that online behavior that causes panic or suggests violence can carry severe real-world legal consequences.
Tips for Parents: Discussing Digital Responsibility
The APD urges parents to continually remind their children about the gravity of social media posts, particularly concerning school threats. A brief discussion can prevent a serious mistake.
- Clarify Legal Consequences: Ensure your children understand that in Texas, a “terroristic threat” is a felony, even if they were “just joking” or using a toy. Police treat all threats seriously, resulting in arrests, charges, and detention.
- Discuss Digital Footprints: Remind children that everything posted online leaves a permanent record and can be traced by law enforcement, regardless of privacy settings or app use.
- Encourage Reporting: Instruct children that if they see any post suggesting a threat—even if they think it is fake—they must tell a trusted adult, teacher, or police officer immediately.
