LAREDO, Tex. (KGNS) – A disturbing threat of gun violence discovered within graffiti at a frequented local park has stirred up fear and prompted a swift response from authorities.
The message, indicating an alleged shooting scheduled for March 26 at 10 a.m. at “LBL”, led to a flurry of reports, social media posts, and calls to the Laredo Police Department.
In response, both the Laredo Police Department and United ISD initiated an immediate investigation. However, the vague phrasing in the message complicated efforts to identify the specific campus targeted.
Authorities were unable to determine whether the threat referred to Lamar Bruni Vergara Middle School or Lyndon B. Johnson High School, prompting officials to alert both institutions.
“As of Monday, we believe there is no credible threat associated with the message,” stated Investigator Joe Baeza. “However, these threats tend to increase as the end of the school year approaches. They are all taken seriously.”
Despite this, Ruben Ayala, the Safety and Crisis Response Manager for UISD, emphasized that the matter would be treated seriously. “We will have our weapons detectors in place, and students will be revised,” Ayala stated. “We do ask that they do take every caution and follow all the protocols that will be having to ensure the safety of all students and staff.”
In light of the situation, LBJ High School and LBV Middle School will have additional police presence on-site on Tuesday, March 26.
Baeza underscored the seriousness with which law enforcement treats such incidents and warned of severe consequences for those responsible. “If anybody is identified throughout this investigation, they will be met with severe consequences for making these types of threats anywhere they are placed.”
Parents are advised to monitor their children’s online communications closely as investigations into these threats progress and perpetrators are brought to justice.
United ISD and the Laredo Police Department express gratitude to the community for promptly reporting the message to the appropriate authorities.
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