Video Transcript

Davis: Hello. My name is Akil Davis, and I'm the Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI's Los Angeles field office. Today, I'm reaching out to discuss the consequences resulting from posting hoax threats on social media, particularly towards schools. Recently, we have noticed an increase in social media posts that make threats against schools. These kinds of messages might seem like a joke, but let me be very clear:

The FBI and our law enforcement partners take all threats seriously, and we are very good at finding the origin of these threats, including those online. So we encourage you to think before you post. Posting or sharing a threat, even if it was not meant to be taken seriously, can have real world consequences. It can lead to panic, interruptions in school activities, and extensive use of law enforcement resources.

It can also result in severe legal consequences for those responsible, including arrest and prosecution. If you see a threat on social media or have concerns about anything you've seen online, it's important to report it immediately to a trusted adult, a teacher or law enforcement. Your safety and the safety of your school is our top priority. Let's work together to create a safe and supportive environment for everyone. Thank you.