A false school threat regarding an armed individual in the vicinity of Bel Air High School in El Paso’s Lower Valley was determined to be non-credible by law enforcement officials on Thursday, May 8. According to Tracy Garcia-Ramirez, a spokesperson for the Ysleta Independent School District (YISD), the school’s administration learned about the alarming 911 call from a male who claimed to have a weapon near the campus just after 11 a.m.
Quick action by the El Paso police and Ysleta ISD security teams confirmed the threat was unfounded, allowing students and staff to remain safe and continue their classes as scheduled. Garcia-Ramirez emphasized that safety is the highest priority for YISD.
Remarkably, this incident occurred almost exactly a year after a similar false threat caused a precautionary lockdown at Bel Air High School on May 7, 2024, and follows another hoax in May 2022.
As summer approaches, law enforcement has noted a trend of increased hoax threats, particularly as the academic year draws to a close. Agencies, including the FBI and local police, urge the community to take every threat seriously, regardless of intent. Students and parents are encouraged to report any potential threats they encounter on social media and not to spread the fears further.
The community is reminded to be vigilant and proactive. For those with information about school threats or gun possession, Crime Stoppers of El Paso can be reached at 915-566-8477 (TIPS).
In times like these, it is critical to maintain open lines of communication and support between students, parents, and law enforcement to ensure a safe learning environment for all.