The FBI has launched an investigation into a social media threat targeting 14 schools across the state, including three in Central Texas. Austin Independent School District (ISD) officials said three of its elementary school campuses were targeted on Tuesday, January 6.

The local FBI office notified Austin ISD Police about the threat, which included, Andrews, Baranoff and Barrington elementary schools, according to a district letter sent to families of each school. Although there was no specific date or time of the threat mentioned, the post included a photo of a masked individual with firearms. 

AISD said it will have an increased police presence on campus during the investigation to ensure the safety of students and staff. Austin ISD Police is also in direct communication with the local FBI office to get additional information and assistance as needed.

“Threats of any kind against our school community are not tolerated,” AISD said in the letter. “Please remind your students never to share these online threats but to share the information with a trusted adult so we can investigate quickly.”

A San Antonio FBI spokesperson confirmed the investigation to MySA saying that the federal department “is aware of the online threats directed to schools within the Austin Independent School District.”

“The FBI takes these threats seriously because it puts innocent people at risk,” the department wrote in a statement. “We are working with our local, state, and federal law enforcement partners to gather, share, and act upon threat information as we become aware of it.”

The FBI urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to local law enforcement immediately. Tips may also be submitted to tips.fbi.gov or 1-800-CALL-FBI. AISD asked anyone who sees suspicious activity to report it to the AISD Police non-emergency line at 512-414-1703.