(Reno, NV) — The Washoe County School District reports that school police have arrested a 12-year-old juvenile student for posting threats of violence on social media, targeting several schools in Washoe County.
 
On the social media outlet Instagram, the juvenile student posted photos of weapons and tagged multiple WCSD schools threatening a school shooting or other violence. Two separate social media posts were uploaded.
 
On Saturday, September 7, immediately after receiving information about the social media posts, WCSD PD launched an investigation and collaborated with the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The juvenile student was arrested without incident and was charged with two counts of Making Threats or Conveying False Information Concerning Acts of Terrorism (Nevada Revised Statute 202.448), resulting in two felonies.
 
Hundreds of reports about the social media posts were made to public safety agencies throughout the region, which impacted the agencies and created fear within the community. The original social media posts were shared repeatedly, and copy-cat posts have also resulted.
 
“Any threats to our students, staff, and schools are taken seriously, and will not be tolerated,” advises WCSD PD Deputy Chief Seana Baker. “Making threats is illegal, and we will enforce the law to the fullest extent possible.”
 
There are no ongoing threats to the schools listed in this social media post or on the future dates that were listed.