13-year-old boy arrested in another series of threats against an Alabama school

A 13-year-old boy is in custody in connection with alleged gun threats at Montgomery public schools.

The young teenager was arrested Sunday evening by the Montgomery Police Department's Special Unit and the FBI's Safe Streets Task Force, police Major Saba Coleman said.

On Sunday, Montgomery Public School officials said they were aware of social media posts indicating possible threats.

“We take these matters very seriously and have activated all security protocols, including working with local law enforcement to identify those involved and take appropriate action,” the statement said.

“School operations continue as usual, with the safety of students and staff our priority. We thank the community for promptly reporting this issue to local authorities and the school system.”

Coleman said that after the social media posts – which contained threats against Bellingrath Middle School and McKee Middle School – became known, an investigation was immediately launched.

The 13-year-old is accused of making terroristic threats and is being held at the Montgomery County Juvenile Detention Center.

“Threats of gun violence in our school system, whether online or in person, are treated with the utmost seriousness by MPD,” Coleman said.

Elmore and Autauga counties also underwent investigations into alleged school shooting threats.

Prattville police said they were aware of the threats but did not believe them.

“We are aware of the many screenshots circulating and the safety of our children is our top priority today,” Prattville police said in a statement Monday. “However, further posts attempting to circumvent security measures by threatening further violence against our children will not be tolerated and those who post them will be investigated and prosecuted.”

Last week, there was a flood of similar reports across the state, which is not unusual after high-profile school shootings. The most recent shooting occurred on September 4, when a 14-year-old shot and killed two teachers and two students at a high school in the US state of Georgia.

In Dothan, a student was arrested after allegedly threatening a shooting spree at Dothan Preparatory Academy on social media, authorities said Friday morning.

On Thursday, Eufaula City Schools canceled all classes and extracurricular activities after a “threat of violence,” officials said.

It was unclear what nature the threat was, but officials said it was directed at the district's high school.

Also Thursday, Walker County authorities announced an “increased security presence” at Oakman-area schools following threats on social media.