Three Rivers, Mathis, Beeville and George West ISDs are responding to circulating posts, while Falfurrias police say there is no credible threat at this time.
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — Texas Department of Public Safety officials say there is no direct threat to area school districts at this time as authorities investigate “Cat in the Hat” social media posts that have prompted increased security at several Coastal Bend-area schools.
The “Cat in the Hat” TikTok trend is a viral horror and hoax phenomenon where users share unsettling, artificial intelligence (AI)-generated images and fake doorbell-camera footage claiming to be the Dr. Seuss character, roaming local streets at night.
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DPS Sgt. Harold Mallory said authorities are taking the online posts seriously and are working with school districts and local law enforcement.
“We take these online threats seriously,” Mallory said.
According to Mallory, the “Cat in the Hat” trend started in Europe before spreading across the United States and eventually reaching several South Texas communities. Posts connected to the trend have referenced communities, including George West, and have since affected multiple districts in the area.
Mallory said DPS has been in contact with the districts and troopers are providing a visible law enforcement presence and additional patrols.
Authorities are also working behind the scenes to identify who is responsible for accounts connected to the posts.
“It’s a joint effort,” Mallory said.
Mallory said authorities have been working with parents since Sunday night and stressed that investigators have not identified a direct threat to the districts.
Anyone who sees concerning posts or other suspicious activity should notify law enforcement. Information can also be submitted through the iWatchTexas app.
Three Rivers ISD says threat strongly believed to be a hoax
Three Rivers ISD provided an update Monday after receiving a midday report from DPS.
“At this point, authorities believe that the Cat in the Hat threat is strongly a hoax,” the district said.
Authorities are continuing to investigate all leads.
Three Rivers ISD said any new screenshots connected to the posts can be sent to Superintendent Les Dragon at 361-522-9681.
The district is also asking parents to monitor their children’s social media activity and regularly talk with them about what is trending online.
Three Rivers ISD Superintendent Les Dragon says at least 80-90 students called out Monday because of the viral posts.
“It’s hard enough to do school on a normal basis, and then you’ve got something like this that attempts to disrupt your operations,” said Dragon.
Extra law enforcement will remain at district practices through Monday evening, according to the district.
Earlier, Three Rivers ISD said law enforcement was on heightened patrol and that officials were communicating with parents or guardians of students whose names appeared on a list connected to the posts.
Other area districts increase security
Mathis ISD, Beeville ISD and George West ISD have also posted safety updates in response to the circulating “Cat in the Hat” content.
The trend involves edited or AI-generated images and videos featuring a threatening version of the Cat in the Hat character, according to the Falfurrias Police Department. Some posts circulating locally have referenced schools, communities or students.
Mathis ISD said posts connected to the trend have referenced Mathis and some of its students. The district is working with Mathis police and added extra security on campus while the posts are investigated.
District officials warned that posting threatening information on social media can have serious consequences and negatively affect students and the community.
Beeville ISD said it is aware of a circulating social media post referencing surrounding school districts. District police, local law enforcement and administrators are monitoring the situation.
The district said it would increase law enforcement presence at all Beeville ISD campuses.
George West ISD clarified that a circulating video does not name any district student, employee, campus or other specific person.
Interim Superintendent Sara Alvarado said the video only includes a reference to “coming to George West next.”
Falfurrias police find no credible threat
Falfurrias police said posts tied to the trend have also circulated locally, but investigators have found no credible threat to schools, students or the public at this time.
Police said the images and videos behind the trend are edited or AI-generated and that the accounts behind them have shown no demonstrated ability or intent to carry out harm.
However, police said detectives and the Brooks County Sheriff’s Office are working to identify the source of any posts that name a school, student or location.
Falfurrias Police Chief William Barton II warned that creating or sharing threats involving schools can lead to criminal charges.
“Before the report was even made we had made contact with the F.B.I….We’re thinking, again this is my own opinion only, it’s going to be someone local that’s trying to copycat,” said Barton. “There’s always a ‘what if’.”
Police are asking parents to talk with their children about what they are seeing and sharing online. Rather than reposting concerning content, authorities recommend taking a screenshot and reporting it directly to law enforcement or school administrators.