Alexandria police found the social media threats against Alexandria City High School not credible. A Minnie Howard Campus student is the suspect.

The threatening social media posts that referenced Alexandria City High School are not credible, the Alexandria Police Department said Thursday. Police have identified a student at the school’s Minnie Howard Campus as the suspect.

The department announced the finding in an update released Thursday, Nov. 12. The department described the suspect as a juvenile and did not release a name.

What police said

Police first said Wednesday that they were investigating threatening social media posts referencing the school. The department said it would increase police presence at Alexandria City High School’s campuses out of caution. The department’s Homeland Security Section worked with Alexandria City Public Schools administrators and security staff.

In Thursday’s update, the department said:

  • its investigation found the threats are not credible
  • the school notified the student’s parents and told them to keep the student home while investigators continue their work
  • the case will go to the Office of the Commonwealth’s Attorney, which will decide whether charges are warranted
  • no charges are pending
  • a possible charge is communicating threats directed at a school through electronic means

“The safety of students, staff, and faculty remains our top priority,” the department said. “APD takes all threats involving our schools seriously and remains committed to ensuring a safe learning environment.”

The department said the investigation remains active and that it will release more information as appropriate.

No one has been charged. A charge, if one is filed, is an accusation. Every person is presumed innocent unless and until convicted in court.

What it means for you

  • The school day. Neither release announced a change to the school schedule. School resource officers remain in the schools, police said.
  • Expect more officers. Police said they are keeping an added presence at Alexandria City High School’s campuses as a precaution.
  • How to report. Anyone with information about the investigation can call the Police Department at 703-764-4444. In an emergency, call 911.

Alexandria City Public Schools had not posted a statement about the threats on its own news page as of Friday morning.

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