Students reported Snapchat threat to South Mississippi schools. FBI is investigating

National admin October 20, 2026 0 Comments

Students reported Snapchat threat to South Mississippi schools. FBI is investigating

Several South Mississippi school districts are working with law enforcement, including agents with the Federal Bureau of Investigation, to investigate a potential threat to harm students or staff that spread on social media across the Gulf Coast, according to district statements.

The Harrison County School District and Gulfport School District both said they were aware of the threat and were working with police to investigate. Both districts remained open. Several schools across the Gulf Coast received the threat. On Monday afternoon, authorities said the threat does not appear to be credible, though the investigation is ongoing.

“We have received multiple calls in reference to threats circulating online involving many coastal schools,” the Harrison County Sheriff’s Department said.

“We wanted to confirm that while we are aware of these threats, we are not the primary investigating agency and are limited on information available. However, we are assisting any way we are needed as well as being available to the school district in any way possible.

“At this time we have been advised the threats are not believed to be credible, but the investigation is still ongoing. If we are given further information or concerns, we will do our best to keep our community in the loop.”

The lead agencies investigating the threat are the Mississippi Department of Public Safety and the FBI.

The Jackson County Sheriff’s Department is also investigating and increased the police presence at the schools on Monday. Sheriff John Ledbetter said Gulf Coast law enforcement agencies are working with the FBI to identify the person who made the threat.

“Based on the credible information we received from our federal and state partners, the threat is not imminent at this time,” Ledbetter said Monday afternoon. “We will maintain a presence at the schools until we receive further information from the investigating agencies. “

The sheriff also thanked the students who saw the threat posted in a group Snapchat and immediately reported it to authorities.

“The safety of our students and staff is our top priority,” Shea Scarborough, the principal at St. Martin High School said in a statement.

The Harrison County School District also addressed the threat.

“We want to assure you that the safety and security of our students, staff, and school communities remain our highest priority,” the Harrison County School District said in a statement. “The district takes all perceived threats seriously, regardless of their source or perceived credibility.”

The Gulfport School District said the “safety, protection, and well-being of our students, faculty, and staff remain the highest priorities of our administration.”

Campus principals, local school resource officers and Gulfport police were immediately notified of the concern and “are actively addressing the situation,” the district said.

‘Standard protocols are in place, with assistance from federal partners, to ensure all necessary measures are taken to maintain a secure learning environment across all campuses,” the district said.

The Harrison County School District encouraged parents and students to report information about potential threats to school administrators or local law enforcement rather than sharing unverified information on social media.

“Please know that we are closely monitoring the situation and will provide additional updates as more information becomes available and can appropriately be shared,” the district said.

Anyone with information about a potential threat should report it to local law enforcement.

This story was originally published October 19, 2026 at 5:02 PM with the headline “Students reported Snapchat threat to South Mississippi schools. FBI is investigating.”