Threat against Moffett School prompts multi-agency investigation

Authorities quickly identified and located the individual responsible for the social media post.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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A social media threat targeting Moffett Public School prompted a swift, multi-agency investigation last Wednesday evening, leading school officials to cancel classes on Thursday as a precaution. Law enforcement agencies worked quickly to identify and locate the individual responsible for the post, with Arkansas State Police, Fort Smith Police Department, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation assisting in the investigation.

Why it matters

School threats are taken extremely seriously by law enforcement, as they can pose a significant risk to student and staff safety. The quick response and coordination between multiple agencies in this case highlights the importance of having protocols in place to defend schools from potential violence.

The details

According to the Sequoyah County Sheriff's Office, authorities were contacted earlier in the evening on Feb. 18 by Arkansas State Police regarding a post in which an individual allegedly stated they would 'shoot up Moffett School' on Feb. 24 at around 10:30 a.m. Upon receiving the information, the sheriff's office immediately activated school defense protocols, notified school officials, and prepared deputies and investigators to respond.

  • On February 18, authorities were contacted about the social media threat.
  • On February 24, the individual allegedly planned to 'shoot up Moffett School' at around 10:30 a.m.

The players

Sequoyah County Sheriff's Office

The local law enforcement agency that was contacted about the threat and led the investigation.

Arkansas State Police

The state police agency that initially contacted the Sequoyah County Sheriff's Office about the social media threat.

Fort Smith Police Department

The local police department that assisted in the investigation.

Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

The federal law enforcement agency that assisted in the investigation.

Moffett Public School

The school that was the target of the alleged threat, leading to the cancellation of classes as a precaution.

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What they’re saying

“We have protocols in place to defend our schools from violent criminal attacks, and the school has its own procedures to notify staff and parents. Our job is to protect the kids, and we will take every threat seriously.”

— Larry Lane, Sheriff (easterntimesregister.com)

“The safety of our students, staff, and community is our top priority.”

— Larry Lane, Sheriff (easterntimesregister.com)

What’s next

The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities say they will continue working with state and federal partners to provide updates as appropriate.

The takeaway

This case highlights the importance of having robust protocols in place to respond to school threats, as well as the need for close coordination between local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies to quickly identify and address potential risks to student and staff safety.