August 23, 2018

FBI Announces Arrest of El Paso Male for Threat to Local Schools

Acting Special Agent in Charge of the FBI El Paso Field Office, Keith A. Byers, announced the arrest of Dallas Carrera, an 18-year-old El Paso male who allegedly posted a threat to local schools via a social media application.

At approximately 6 p.m. on August 21, 2018 agents of the El Paso Field Office received an online tip via Etips@fbi.gov. The tip identified a photograph, posted on a mobile phone social media application, of a box full of empty assault rifle magazines with the caption “Don’t come to school tomorrow.”

The owner of the account was identified as Carrera and was contacted by FBI agents and EPISD Police Officers at approximately 1 a.m. on August 22, 2018. At approximately 2 a.m., Carrera was taken into custody via criminal complaint and appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Anne T. Berton today. Carrera remains in federal custody pending a detention hearing on August 27 at 9:30 a.m. before U.S. Magistrate Judge Anne T. Berton.

“This incident should serve as a reminder that threats posted online are not a joke. Anyone who makes a social media post threatening to be a potential active shooter should expect to be identified and prosecuted,” stated Acting Special Agent in Charge Keith A. Byers. “The El Paso FBI, EPISD Police Department, and Ft. Bliss Police Services Division worked together to rapidly investigate this threat.”

A criminal complaint is merely a charge and should not be considered as evidence of guilt. The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

In recent months, the FBI and law enforcement around the country have investigated a number of online threats of targeted violence against schools and other public places. These threats—often issued via text message or posted on social media—are taken very seriously. Internet threats can have devastating consequences—both for the public and for the perpetrators.

If there is a reason to believe the safety of others is at risk, we ask the public immediately reach out to their local police department by calling 911 or contact the FBI at 915-832-5000. Once law enforcement is notified, don’t share or forward the post as it could create panic. As always, members of the public can always submit at tip to the FBI at tips.fbi.gov. Remember—Think before you post.