DFW News App

WHITEHOUSE, Texas (KETK) — A Whitehouse ISD student has been arrested for allegedly threatening to “shoot up” the high school via a Snapchat message.

The Smith County Sheriff’s Office said that on Tuesday at around 2:30 p.m., deputies responded to a report of a terrorist threat at an address near Whitehouse. An individual told officials she had received an “alarming message” on Snapchat from a student who attended Whitehouse High School.

The message, reviewed by law enforcement, stated the student was “thinking about shooting up the school.” The Whitehouse Police Department and school staff were made aware of the threat; however, the student in question was not at school that day.

Law enforcement arrived at the student’s home and spoke with her father, who confirmed that she was at home. “After speaking with the female, deputies determined that a criminal offense had taken place and subsequently notified Smith County Investigators,” the sheriff’s office said.

The student was taken into custody and charged with terroristic threat and taken to the Juvenile Attention Center.

In a statement to parents and guardians, Whitehouse ISD urged them to speak with their students and report any threats to school staff or local law enforcement:

“Please talk with your student about not creating, forwarding or sharing threat-related content online,” the district said. “Making or spreading threats is prohibited and can lead to serious school discipline and possible criminal charges.”

An increase in officers is expected on and around campus this week as a precaution.

You can now stream KETK and FOX51 News live 24/7 on your smart TV with KETK+, our brand-new app! No antenna, cable, or satellite needed—watch for free, anytime. Just download it on your Roku, Apple TV, or Fire TV and start streaming.