Officials in Fall River are investigating a social media post that alleged a possible firearm threat and racial slurs at a local elementary school. The post, which has since been removed, was reportedly made by a parent of a student in the Fall River Public Schools system, prompting a response from the School Committee and raising concerns among community members.
Key Takeaways
- A social media post alleging a firearm threat and racial slurs at a Fall River school is under investigation.
- The school was identified in reports as Watson Elementary School.
- Fall River School Committee Member Collin Dias confirmed that officials are looking into the matter.
- The original social media post has been taken down for unknown reasons.
- Officials are urging parents to speak with their children about safety while the legitimacy of the threat is being verified.
Social Media Post Causes Community Concern
A social media post published on Tuesday, September 23, 2025, has drawn the attention of the Fall River community and school officials. The post was authored by a woman who identified herself as a mother of a student within the Fall River public school system. It contained serious allegations, including a potential threat involving a firearm and the use of racial slurs at a school.
While the original post was removed from the platform, its contents quickly spread, causing alarm among local parents. The school at the center of the allegations is reportedly Watson Elementary School. Attempts by news outlets to contact the author of the post for comment were unsuccessful before it was deleted.
The Challenge of Social Media Threats
School districts across the country frequently contend with threats that originate on social media. Verifying the credibility of these posts is a significant challenge for both law enforcement and school administrators. They must treat every potential threat seriously while also working to prevent unnecessary panic based on unverified information.
School Committee Acknowledges and Responds to Allegations
On Wednesday, September 24, 2025, Fall River School Committee Member Collin Dias addressed the growing concerns. He confirmed that the committee was aware of the situation and had initiated contact with the school district's leadership to seek answers.
"Yesterday, a Facebook post raised very serious concerns about a possible firearm threat connected to one of our Fall River Public Schools," Dias stated. "Since then, multiple members of the School Committee have reached out to Superintendent Tracy Curley asking for answers."
This swift response highlights the seriousness with which the School Committee is treating the allegations. The involvement of the superintendent indicates that the issue has been escalated to the highest levels of the district's administration. The primary goal is to ascertain the facts and ensure the safety of all students and staff.
Investigation into the Post's Legitimacy
A key focus for officials is determining the validity of the claims made in the social media post. School districts often work closely with local law enforcement agencies to investigate such matters. This process typically involves identifying the source of the post and evaluating the credibility of the alleged threat.
Mr. Dias emphasized that the legitimacy of the post is a central part of the ongoing inquiry. Officials must balance the need for a thorough investigation with the urgency of communicating with the public. Until a definitive conclusion is reached, the situation remains under active review by both the school department and potentially the police.
Timeline of Events
- Tuesday, Sept. 23: A parent's social media post detailing an alleged threat at a Fall River school appears online.
- Later Tuesday: The post is removed from the social media platform.
- Wednesday, Sept. 24: School Committee Member Collin Dias confirms an official inquiry is underway.
Guidance for Parents and Families
In his statement, Collin Dias also provided guidance for parents who may be worried about the situation. He stressed the importance of communication and awareness until the school district or police department can provide a public update on the status of the threat.
"Until the School Department or Police Department publicly confirm that there is no threat, I urge parents to communicate with their children about safety and awareness," Dias advised.
This recommendation encourages families to have proactive conversations about school safety. Experts often suggest that parents should:
- Remind children to report any suspicious activity or concerning comments to a trusted adult.
- Discuss the importance of not spreading rumors on social media.
- Review the family's own safety plans and emergency contact information.
By fostering open dialogue, parents can help their children feel more prepared and less anxious during uncertain situations. It also reinforces the idea that school safety is a shared responsibility between the district, law enforcement, and the community.
As of now, Fall River Public Schools has not issued a formal statement confirming or denying the threat. Families are advised to monitor official communication channels from the school district for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
