Alleged social media threat targets Phoenix schools, 3 arrested

PHOENIX (KSAZ) - 17 valley schools were impacted by a social media threat that prompted some parents to keep their children home from school.

The threats began at Carl Hayden High School early Monday morning and then quickly spread via social media to other high schools within the district. Classes were held on their normal schedule, although the school district says the attendance was low.

The threats that began popping up on social media are general in nature but allude to possible violence. The Phoenix Union High School District tells FOX 10 that the threats started at one high school and then began snowballing throughout the day to target all 17 high school within the district.

Classes were never canceled, but parents were made aware of the threats and were allowed to pick up their students.

Video sent to us by a parent at Trevor Browne High School shows the line of parents picking up their kids.

Parents and students were naturally a bit worried about the threats and the district says they have stepped up security at the schools and have been in constant communication with the Phoenix Police Department.

Police say they are taking these threats very seriously and if you have any information of where they may come from, you are asked to contact them.

UPDATE: On Tuesday, Phoenix Police arrested three juveniles regarding some of the recent threats. Officers say more arrests are expected as the investigation continues.

"The Phoenix Police Department wants to make some things very clear to those who choose to participate in threatening behavior. It is not a joke. It is a felony. All threats are taken seriously and vigorously investigated."