Washington County prosecutor discusses consequences of posting threats on social media

FORT SMITH, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA) — Multiple school districts in Northwest Arkansas and the River Valley like Fort Smith received threats on social media about potential violence in schools but there are consequences for threatening someone.

Addie Reith with the Fort Smith School Public District says these threats were part of a national issue and not specific to their district, but the Fort Smith Public Schools Police Department took them seriously and worked closely with the Fort Smith Police Department to investigate.

They sent a statement saying,

To ensure everyone’s safety, we increased the presence of School Resource Officers (SROs) and added extra patrols around our schools with the assistance of the Fort Smith Police Department. We are pleased to report we did not have any incidents. We will remain vigilant in our efforts to keep our students and staff safe and secure.

We want to take this opportunity to encourage our parents and guardians to speak with your children about the dangers of social media and the serious consequences of spreading rumors or misinformation. Social media can be a powerful tool for communication, but it can also amplify false information and create unnecessary fear. If you or your child see something concerning, please report it to law enforcement immediately—do not forward or share unverified information. Your vigilance can help prevent the spread of rumors and keep our community safe.

Addie Reith, communications specialist with Fort Smith School District

Although it is unclear who made these threats on social media, it is important to remember that this is a crime.

“Under Arkansas law, a person threatens a student or a school official, that is a D felony punishable zero to six years in the Arkansas Department of Correction,” Denis Dean, senior deputy prosecuting attorney with Washington County, said. “If someone posts on social media to threaten to cause mass violence on school grounds, and that could be anything from an elementary school to a college campus, it is a C felony that is punishable by three to 10 years in the Arkansas Department of Correction.”

Dean says his office works closely with social media sites and cell phone providers to find the original account.

“So, you can use a fake name, you can use a fake email, you can try to use a different phone number. We will find you,” Dean said.

Threats on social media can still be found even if you try to delete it.

“Anybody that sees that is going to screenshot it. They’re going to preserve it. They’re going to notify law enforcement. Law enforcement is going to reach out to the social media provider and get the original records,” Dean said.

Dean says these threats, no matter the intention behind them, will always have a response from the police.

“There are going to be armed officers that show up to combat a threat. And that in and of itself can create a dangerous situation for all involved. So just don’t do it,” Dean said.

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