Police have detained one person in connection with an online threat made against a Southwest Miami-Dade school, the latest in a series of social media threats made against various South Florida schools in the aftermath of a horrific mass shooting at a Georgia high school.
According to Miami-Dade School Police, someone made an internet threat against Lamar Louise Curry Middle School, situated at 15750 SW 47th St. in Southwest Miami-Dade. According to detectives, the individual in issue first made the threat on Thursday, which was reported through FortifyFL. A viewer shared screenshots of a gun uploaded to an Instagram story, along with the words “Don’t go to school tmr llcms.” The viewer, a parent, stated that they had contacted the school’s principal. Police say the person who made the threat was apprehended on Friday. However, this was not the only cyber threat issued against a South Florida school in the last 24 hours.
Friday afternoon, 7News cameras witnessed an increased police presence at Coconut Creek High School. On Thursday night, police claimed an online bomb threat was made against the school, situated at 1400 NW 44th Ave., via Instagram.
“It was, ‘We don’t know what to do,” recalled student Mierre Smith. “Like, I wasn’t sure if I should come to school. I believed my life was in jeopardy, but I had no choice. Police claimed they’re looking into who was responsible, but kids said they’re fed up. “It happens all over the place every year—someone lies about a bomb threat to get people’s attention,” said student Mekhi Johnson. “It gets tired and is lame.” “I’m tired of it.”
“I think this thing should stop being a joke. “It’s no longer a joke, especially as more realistic events like this occur,” remarked student A’mia Anglin. Kevin Smith, a school employee, also spoke with 7 News. “After what we’ve been through with the Parkland shooting, we need to make sure that our kids do stay safe,” according to him.
Miami-Dade County Public Schools issued the following statement about the threat against Lamar Louise Curry Middle School:
“Miami-Dade County Public Schools (M-DCPS) became aware of a social media threat targeting Lamar Louise Curry Middle School.” Miami-Dade Schools Police, with the assistance of the school administration, conducted an urgent investigation and arrested. M-DCPS respectfully requests that parents continue to communicate with their children about the necessity of using social media appropriately. Threats of any kind will be taken seriously, and individuals implicated may suffer long-term consequences.”
According to Broward County Sheriff Gregory Tony, making threats is a severe offense that will result in arrests. “I want this community, again, and our school board and our partners to know we’re prepared, we’re doing the things that are important, and we’re going to continue to test our capabilities before bad things happen,” he said. Reporting these threats is a criminal. Law enforcement and school district officials urge parents to speak with their children about the dangers of online threats. They also advise parents to check their children’s social media accounts.
