Doral schools increase security after social media threats

DORAL, FL – Doral parents woke up today with a message from school authorities warning them there were social media threats circulating.

In an email, Downtown Doral Charter Schools notified the school community a parent made them aware of the threats although the informant didn’t have the original post nor knowledge of the content of it. 

“We immediately reported it to the Doral Police Department and additional law enforcement authorities who are currently investigating. It is also important to note that according to the parent there is no mention of Downtown Doral Charter Schools being part of the threat. However, in an abundance of caution all Downtown Doral Charter Schools will have heightened security on campus and the Doral Police Department will have an additional presence,” reads part of the statement.  

School authorities also mentioned they take all social media threats seriously, which is what prompted them to make the subsequent report. “We are committed to ensuring the safety of our students and staff, and we appreciate your cooperation in this matter.”

The incident happened following Monday’s arrest of a 12-year-old girl, who allegedly made threats on social media to several Broward County Public Schools. 

The girl, who goes to Lauderhill 6-12, specifically threatened schools in Lauderdale Lakes, Lauderhill, Fort Lauderdale and Sunrise and now faces charges of “making written threats to kill/conduct a mass shooting and unlawful use of a two-way communication device,” South Florida 6 reported.

When confronted by police, the student confirmed her actions, while also said they were intended as a joke, and she wasn’t planning on going through with them. 

This serves as a warning for all students that it’s unlawful to make threats on social media under Florida law. Anyone who does so, could potentially damage their record and change their lives.

Parents are also encouraged to talk with their children about the power of owning an electronic device, the dangers of social media and the real consequences of making any kind of threat through digital means. 

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