Online trends threatening violence against schools have seen a spike across the nation in the aftermath of a mass shooting at Apalachee High School near Winder, Georgia on Sept. 4. This week, those threats became increasingly prevalent across California, including in Stanislaus and Merced counties.

Turlock Unified School District Director of Communication, Family Engagement and Outreach Marie Russell released a statement Friday afternoon explaining that there have been rumors circulating on social media alleging possible violence at schools in coordination with the date, Friday the 13th, which has long been attached to the idea of bringing bad luck and fear. The threats, that were screenshot messages, have been deemed false and originated outside of the community.

“Unfortunately, Friday the 13th seems to be a magnet for these Internet hoaxes. No credible threat has been made to a TUSD campus,” Russell said.

Nevertheless, the fear of threats amplified following an incident at Turlock Junior High School on Thursday, when a student made a verbal comment that caused concern among classmates. According to a message sent by principal Agustin Arreola on the ParentSquare forum, the Turlock Police Department determined there was no credible threat to student safety. As an added precaution, campus security was increased Friday.

While online threats prior to the TJHS incident were not specific to any TUSD campus, others circulating around the region mentioned schools specifically.

According to the Turlock Journal’s sister paper, the Westside Connect, the Newman Police Department has taken a suspect into custody for allegedly making online threats to campuses in both the Newman Crows Landing Unified School District and the Gustine Unified School District, as well as in Patterson. Those threats led to significant drops in attendance.

The false social media posts relating to the westside appear to have originated on Tik Tok and have been spreading across the country. In one that has spread on local online community forums, the post stated: “This Friday, there will be a shooting at Patterson, Gustine and Newman between 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. at the following schools: Apricot Valley Elementary, Las Palmas Elementary School, Northmead Elementary School, Creekside Middle School, Patterson High School, Hurd Barrington Elementary, Von Renner Elementary School, Hunt Elementary, Yolo Middle School, Orestimba High School, Gustine Elementary School and Gustine High. You are receiving this message as a warning.”

The posts caught the attention of the Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Department, who released the following statement on Facebook: “The Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Office has been investigating recent social media posts containing threats directed at schools throughout the region, including within our county. More specifically, schools in the city of Patterson have been referenced. At this point, we have yet to find evidence that any of these threats are credible.

 “Our top priority is the safety and security of students, school staff, and the surrounding community. Despite a lack of credibility, we will remain vigilant, and ask that the community do the same. As we continue to communicate with our allied law enforcement agencies and school districts, we encourage people to immediately report any suspicious activity or additional threats to law enforcement. 

“We want to reinforce that we take all threats seriously and will thoroughly investigate any brought to our attention. We will work with the Stanislaus County District Attorney’s Office to prosecute anyone in violation of the law. Charges that may be brought against a person include threats against an education institution and criminal threats.”

Russell added that Turlock Unified would continue to work closely with the Turlock Police Department to support student safety, while also encouraging students to follow  “Say Something” protocol to report any threat or perceived threat to a trusted adult on campus. 

“Thank you for reinforcing this message at home and ensuring your student understands the serious nature of making or sharing threats and the possible real-life consequences, including school discipline and criminal charges,” she told parents in the statement. “We will also continue to educate students about this important matter.”