AUSTIN, Texas — Editor's note: An updated story on the ongoing social media threats against Central Texas schools can be found here. For more on the man arrested for a threat at an Austin ISD elementary school, click here.
Multiple local law enforcement agencies have taken suspects into custody after numerous school districts across Central Texas received social media threats this week.
A man was arrested in connection with a threat to an Austin elementary school, and students have been taken into custody in connection with threats to other districts.
Man arrested for alleged threats against Hill Elementary
Hill Elementary School in northwest Austin has an increased law enforcement presence Friday morning after police arrested a 29-year-old man in connection with a threat to the campus Thursday night.
The Austin Police Department (APD) confirmed one of the man's family members notified them of his threat against the school, and an affidavit obtained by KVUE states the man has schizophrenia and suffers from delusional thoughts. Jail records show he's facing a terroristic threat charge and is being held on a $100,000 bond.
In an email sent to Hill Elementary families, the principal said Austin ISD Police Department officers will be on and around the campus during the school day Friday. There will also be a special meeting Monday at 7:45 a.m. at the school's library to discuss campus safety protocols.
Austin ISD said there is no existing threat to Hill Elementary.
Student arrested for alleged threats to multiple districts
In a letter to parents Friday morning, Marble Falls ISD said over the past two weeks, "...schools and districts across the state [have been] fielding social media rumors and threats," including at Marble Falls ISD.
On Thursday evening, the district said it was made aware of a new social media threat that included Marble Falls ISD and other local districts. Meanwhile, both Blanco and Llano ISDs also said officials were investigating a threat circulating social media regarding potential violence in schools in Johnson City, Marble Falls, Llano and Blanco.
Blanco ISD said in an update late Thursday night that "the person responsible for the threatening post is in custody and does not pose a threat." In the Friday morning email, Marble Falls ISD said "a student was taken into custody for investigation."
Marble Falls, Blanco and Llano ISDs all said they have increased law enforcement presence on campuses in response to the threats.
Hays CISD middle schooler faces charges for alleged threat
A sixth grader at Hays CISD is facing legal consequences after district leaders said they helped spread a fake shooting threat on social media.
Hays CISD officials started investigating threats Wednesday night. The middle schooler was later detained for allegedly spreading a threat that specifically mentioned Simon Middle School. District leaders said they're looking into the possibility of additional student involvement in the threats naming that campus.
RELATED: 6th grader faces charges as Central Texas school districts plagued with social media threats
Meanwhile, in Liberty Hill ISD, students reported threatening images to an on-campus officer. Within minutes, the district found a "Liberty school" mentioned on a long list of schools in a social media post where a student was allegedly threatening to attack. The district then learned that school was actually in Georgia.
Reaction after threats
In addition to the districts already mentioned, Manor and Hutto ISDs also sent notes to parents Thursday about social media threats. On Friday, Cedar Park police said they were aware of a social media post reporting a shooting at "Cedar Park High/Vista Ridge," but said there has not be an active shooting on either campus.
Despite varying sources, school districts must take every threat seriously.
"In society now, in the times that we're in, unfortunately, every threat that comes out, we take serious until we can prove it is not," said Chris Rybarski, chief of police for Liberty Hill ISD.
Officials at multiple districts, including Liberty Hill ISD, said students making or spreading threats will be held accountable, regardless of whether the threats turns out to be fake.
"Our stance here is if a threat is made against our campus or our district, that we are going to prosecute. We will file charges, and we will arrest," Rybarski said.
Rybarski said to avoid getting charged for spreading threats, if a child shows their parent something that could be perceived as a threat, the parent should immediately notify law enforcement and the school.