School threat spreads across the country and targets schools in Harford County

HARFORD COUNTY, Md. — Two schools in Harford County received a general threat that officials say was sent to schools across the country.

The exact same message being sent across the country describes a three-step plan to threaten schools, scare everyone, then pull the fire alarm and shoot people. The message is designed as a warning and is encouraged for students to share on social media. It starts with “People say that…” and “…I’m not sure if that’s true, but that’s what I keep hearing people say and I just want everyone to stay safe um to spread this message.”

School resource officers at the two HCPS buildings where parents reported the image with the above reports are aware of the situation. SROs and the Harford County Sheriff’s Office are still investigating but do not believe the messages are credible, the HCSO said.

The Maryland Center for School Safety confirmed that the same image and message were shared by students at schools across the state and country, the sheriff’s office added.

“While we believe this does not represent an actual threat to schools, but rather a tool to cause unrest and panic, we still take any report of a threat very seriously. Our law enforcement partners continue to investigate and operate around our buildings to ensure their presence is visible and felt on our school grounds,” the HCSO stated. “We hope that the person behind spreading this false fear will be identified and fully prosecuted. A false threat not only impacts everyday school life, but also the mental health of our entire community and the duties of our law enforcement partners.” . If you see something, say something – don’t share it or post it on social media.”