School threats are up in New Mexico so far in 2022.
In a release from the Albuquerque FBI division, threats to schools in the state are at 19 in the first six months of the year, up from two in the first half of 2021. While most of those 19 reports have been hoaxes, three arrests have been made in connection with the threats.
“It’s not unusual to see an uptick in hoax threats after a mass shooting in another part of the country,” said Special Agent in Charge Raul Bujanda. “The FBI takes every threat seriously and those who post or send these threats can receive up to five years in federal prison, or they can face state or local charges.”
Issuing a threat to schools is a federal crime, including those made over social media, text message or email. Even hoax threats are a waste of resources on law enforcement, and they disrupt school, the release says.
However, those who see anything suspicious or knows of a person planning to commit violence should contact the FBI at 800-CALL-FBI. The state’s bureau, through its Guardian Squad, works closely with other federal, state, local and tribal law enforcement agencies to respond quickly to threats to public safety.
For more information on hoax threats and the agency’s “Think Before You Post” campaign, click here.
