Crime
Bettye Mae Jack Middle School Lifts Lockdown After TikTok Video Threat of School Shooting
Similar threats have been reported at multiple schools across the nation this week.
Bettye Mae Jack Middle School was placed on lockdown on Tuesday, September 10th, after students alerted school officials to a TikTok video containing a school shooting threat directed at the school.
Law enforcement agencies were immediately notified and responded to the scene to investigate the threat.
While no credible threat has been identified at this time, the school will maintain an increased law enforcement presence on campus for the remainder of the week to ensure the safety and security of students and staff.
Similar threats have been reported at multiple schools across the nation this week.
Bettye Mae Jack Middle School will thoroughly investigate each and every threat to protect the well-being of its students and staff.
The school would like to commend the students for bringing this information to the attention of school personnel. Their quick action, combined with the swift response of school staff, administration, and law enforcement, ensured the safety of students and staff on Tuesday and should be recognized.
HOUSTON – A large law enforcement response was launched Monday afternoon following reports of an active shooter near the Harris County criminal justice complex in Downtown Houston.
According to authorities, the incident began shortly after 12:30 p.m. near 1115 Congress Street, in the vicinity of the Harris County Family Law Center.
Witnesses reported hearing multiple gunshots — with some accounts estimating as many as 30 rounds fired in rapid succession.
More than 40 officers from the Houston Police Department, including members of HPD Special Operations, converged on the scene.
Officials confirmed that a Harris County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) deputy was shot in the shoulder during the exchange.
The deputy was transported to a nearby hospital for treatment and is reported to be in stable condition.
The suspect, who exchanged gunfire with officers, was also struck multiple times.
Authorities confirmed that the individual was taken into custody at the scene and is currently receiving medical care.
The identity and motive of the suspect have not yet been disclosed.
It remains unclear whether the shooting took place inside or outside the courthouse building.
A witness employed with the juvenile probation department told that they heard at least eight shots ring out near the courthouse.
Another witness, present at the courthouse for jury duty, said they were instructed to “get down on the floor and cover their heads” during the lockdown.
The area surrounding the courthouse was immediately cordoned off by law enforcement, and the public is being urged to avoid the area as the investigation continues.
Multiple agencies are working jointly to secure the scene and gather evidence.
Further updates are expected as officials release more information regarding the suspect’s condition, possible charges, and the circumstances leading up to the shooting.