ST. THOMAS, U.S. Virgin Islands — August 21, 2026: The Virgin Islands Police Department
(VIPD) is investigating a concerning video circulating on social media involving a minor male
who allegedly made threats toward students and school staff while displaying what
appeared to be a rifle.
On Thursday, August 20, 2026, at approximately 7:00 p.m., School Resource Officers and
Juvenile Detectives were alerted to the video. In the video, the minor male was seen making
threatening statements concerning a Spray ground bag tag that had reportedly been
removed from his school bag while displaying what appeared to be a rifle.
School Resource Officers and Juvenile Detectives subsequently located the minor and his
parents and requested that they report to the Juvenile Bureau. The object depicted in the
video was confiscated and examined. The VIPD confirms that the weapon was not an actual
firearm.
The investigation remains active and ongoing. The VIPD takes all threats involving students,
school personnel, and the community seriously and encourages parents and guardians to
speak with young people about the potential consequences of making threats or displaying
imitation weapons in threatening circumstances.
Anyone with information regarding this incident is encouraged to contact the VIPD Juvenile
Bureau at 340-774-2211, extensions 5540, 5541, or 5542. Information may also be reported
by contacting 911 in an emergency.
The VIPD thanks the community for its continued cooperation and assistance in keeping our
schools and communities safe.
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