FBI: Parents Can Help Crack Down on False Shooting Threats

FORT MYERS, Fla. —
According to the FBI, the agency received 38,000 tips in the first full week after the El Paso, TX and Dayton, OH mass shootings.

That's up from its usual 22,000 tips per week.

In the wake of so many calls and dozens of thwarted attacks, Agent Davis Christy, who is based out of Southwest Florida is issuing a reminder to parents and teens, that can help cut down on the amount of tips they get involving teens who post threats online that they don't intend to carry out.

"We don't know that it's meant to be a joke and we have to take that threat very seriously and we're gonna investigate to the nth degree to ensure that the public is safe," said Christy.

On top of being dangerous, threats like these also wastes FBI resources.

"Having to look at the large volume of threats that have come across it takes away time, precious time from other investigations that we are carrying out," said Christy.

The agency is asking parents to speak with their kids about the dangers of posting threats online.

"Parents have a very vital role in educating their kids in proper internet and social media behavior," said Christy.

To help, the FBI is pushing it's 'Think Before You Post' campaign, which can be used as an educational tool.

If you witness a threat of violence, you are urged to call the local authorities immediately.

There is also two ways that you can also submit an anonymous tip the FBI, head to tips.fbi.gov to submit one online or you can call the FBI's Tampa office at 813-253-1000.