Police increase security at Alexandria City High after social media threats

Alexandria Police have increased security at Alexandria City High School following social media threats referencing the school, FOX 5 DC reported. Additional officers were stationed Thursday morning at both the King Street and Minnie Howard campuses as a precaution, alongside the usual school resource officers.

The police department's Homeland Security Section is coordinating with the Alexandria City Public Schools to maintain a safe learning environment for students, staff, and faculty, according to police statements shared by FOX 5 DC. Classes are continuing on a normal schedule despite the increased police presence.

The threats came to light Wednesday night, prompting the police department to boost security at all four Alexandria City school campuses out of an abundance of caution, FOX 5 DC reported. The department urged anyone with information about the threats to contact police.

This investigation follows a similar incident in 2024 when Alexandria schools faced online threats involving a pulled fire alarm and a planned school shooting. Those earlier threats were part of a wave of nationwide copycat hoaxes, resulting in charges against several teenagers. Under Virginia law, making threats against a school is a Class 6 felony, punishable by up to five years in prison.