(LOOTPRESS) – As students prepare for the new school year, the FBI Pittsburgh Field Office is reminding the public that making hoax threats is a serious criminal offense with long-lasting consequences.
According to the FBI, whether a threat is spoken, written, posted online, or shared on social media, it can lead to suspension, expulsion, arrest, and even imprisonment. Calling in a fake threat of violence, even as a joke, is both a state and federal crime.
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“The FBI does not take chances with threats regardless of the intent,” said FBI Pittsburgh Special Agent in Charge Kevin Rojek.
“Hoax threats divert critical public safety resources, disrupt classes, and can leave students and parents terrified. If the FBI and our law enforcement partners determine you are responsible for making or sharing a threat, we will pursue justice to the fullest extent of the law. Your life could be ruined by something you thought was only a joke. Think before you act.”
Law enforcement treats every threat of violence as credible until proven otherwise.
Even false threats can cause real harm, putting a strain on school staff, police, students, parents, and the community. Many online platforms now use AI tools and human moderators to detect threatening language, including posts in private group chats.
The FBI urges anyone who sees a school-related threat not to repost it but instead to report it immediately to a trusted adult, school administrator, local law enforcement, or the FBI Pittsburgh Field Office.
Tips can be submitted online at tips.fbi.gov, by calling the FBI Pittsburgh Field Office at (412) 432-4000, or by calling 1-800-CALL-FBI.
