Police Lights on top of car

An 11-year-old student has been charged for allegedly posting a threat on social media that suggested gun violence would occur Tuesday at Sierra Middle School.

The 11-year-old girl, who police will not publicly identify because of her age, was charged with making a threat of a school shooting. She received a Class III Juvenile Citation and was turned over to the custody of a parent.

Late Monday evening, Las Cruces police received information from Meta security of an alleged threat posted to an account on Instagram. The Instagram post alleged a shooting would occur at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday at Sierra Middle School.

Meta forwarded account information including the email address associated with the account, the IP address and other user information.

Las Cruces police, with assistance from staff at Sierra Middle School, interviewed the girl who admitted to posting the threat on Instagram. A search of the girl’s backpack yielded no firearms or weapons.

The Juvenile Probation Office was contacted but they denied detention because of the girl’s age. A Juvenile Class III Citation is equivalent to a Criminal Citation, or an arrest without detention.

Anyone who sees or receives a threatening post is asked to refrain from forwarding it to others, or reposting it, as doing so may cause unnecessary fear and widespread panic. Police encourage anyone who sees or receives information that is believed to be threatening to screen-save the content and immediately alert law enforcement by calling 911.

Two Students Arrested for Posting School Shooting Threats
City Council Meeting Recap for Sept. 16, 2024
Other news in News Releases, Public Safety
View from the roadside, looking down Picacho Avenue in Las Cruces

W. Picacho/Motel Blvd MRA Public Meeting

The City of Las Cruces invites community members to participate in a public meeting to share their thoughts, opinions, and ideas on the future redevelopment of the W. Picacho Avenue…
Person typing on a laptop.

National Community Survey

Las Cruces and Doña Ana County residents are invited to participate in the National Community Survey. The National Community Survey™ is an online instrument that was developed in partnership with the…
People sitting in the park on blankets or chairs watching a movie

2025 Movies Series

The City of Las Cruces Parks and Recreation Department will host its 2025 Movie Series beginning Saturday, June 14, 2025. The free, family-friendly event will feature outdoor movie screenings at…
Giant Metal Artistic Flowers in the park.

El Paseo & S. Solano MRA Feedback

The City of Las Cruces is working on a plan to reimagine and revitalize the neighborhoods around El Paseo and S Solano corridors between Lohman and University Avenues. A study…
Edward Signing his commitment to Las Cruces utilities

Utilities Internship Program Accepting Applications

The Las Cruces Utilities (LCU) Internship Program is a competitive program that awards internships to students pursuing an associate degree in one of the following technology programs: Water Technology. Computer…
mountain in background and trees in foreground

Hiking and Walking Events in April , May

The Parks and Recreation Department will host weekly hiking and walking events in April and May. Hiking Trails in the Southwest will take place on Fridays from April 11 through…

Before You Dig Call 811

April is Safe Digging Month. It serves as a reminder to call 811 for locating and mapping. To request a locate or to ask questions about what is required, contact…
tomatoes

Lush and Lean Workshops

The purpose of the Lush and Lean program is to help residents of Las Cruces make the best use of the limited water resources available by developing and maintaining gardens…
Trash Cart with Center latch

Trash Cart Latches Coming Soon

The City of Las Cruces Utilities Department is implementing a new latch to your trash cart. The new latch will be implemented within the next 18 months (beginning in 2025).…
Blue pilot Light

Pilot Light Relight Service

Stay safe and warm this winter. Schedule your Pilot Relight and Safety Check today. Avoid long wait times and schedule your Pilot Relight before cold weather arrives. For service, call…