Crime
Schools Nationwide Shut Down Amid Surge of Threatening Emails About Potential Shootings
Schools across the nation have been forced to implement lockdowns in response to a wave of threatening emails received in recent days.
The content of these emails typically revolves around threats of school shootings, causing widespread fear and concern.
Law enforcement agencies are actively investigating these threats and working closely with school districts to ensure the safety of students and staff.
Local law enforcement officials have expressed concerns about a potential rise in copycat threats following recent tragic events.
Sam Wade, a school resource officer at Jessamine County High School, noted that such incidents often inspire individuals to make threats, whether motivated by a desire to avoid school or a malicious intent to disrupt the educational system.
The recent spate of school shootings has led to a heightened sense of anxiety and fear, making it easier for individuals to exploit these emotions for their own purposes.
Any threat made towards a school campus or its personnel is classified as a Class D felony under the charge of terroristic threatening in the second degree. This offense carries a potential sentence of 1-5 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.
Likins emphasized that any bomb threat, regardless of its intent, is considered a criminal act. Any threat directed towards a school, including students, staff, volunteers, or coaches, can result in severe legal consequences.
Even sharing such threats on social media platforms can lead to felony charges. Likins stressed the importance of understanding that words have power and can cause panic or alarm. Any threat made towards a school system, whether shared directly or through social media, can result in legal repercussions.
While many of these threats may ultimately prove to be hoaxes, each one is taken seriously and requires a thorough investigation.
The increased frequency of school shooting threats has placed a significant strain on law enforcement resources and disrupted the educational process for countless students.
The situation has raised important questions about online safety, mental health, and the need for stronger measures to prevent and address these threats.
Crime
Angela Johnson and Her Son DeAngelo Johnson Killed After Shooting Inside Home in Chicago, Mother’s Boyfriend in Custody
CHICAGO — A 47-year-old mother and her 27-year-old son were fatally shot inside a residence in Chicago’s Austin neighborhood on the West Side late Thursday night, September 24, 2026, according to Chicago police.
The victims were identified as Angela Johnson, 47, and DeAngelo Johnson, 27. Police said a suspect, identified as Angela Johnson’s boyfriend, was taken into custody following the shooting.
The deadly shooting happened in the 800 block of North Parkside Avenue at approximately 10:43 p.m. Witnesses reported hearing gunshots coming from the basement of the residence and called 911.
When Chicago police officers arrived, they found the two victims suffering from gunshot wounds.
Angela Johnson was found in the basement with a gunshot wound to her chest. Police-radio traffic indicated she had been shot on the right side of her chest.
DeAngelo Johnson was found on the first floor with multiple gunshot wounds. Radio traffic indicated that he had suffered two gunshot wounds to his back.
Both victims were initially unresponsive and in critical condition. Emergency personnel performed CPR on DeAngelo Johnson before both victims were transported to Mount Sinai Hospital, where they were pronounced dead.
According to police-radio traffic, one victim was pronounced dead at approximately 11:18 p.m., while the male victim was pronounced dead around 11:21 p.m.
Investigators found extensive evidence inside the residence, including approximately 23 shell casings in a basement bedroom. Additional shell casings were reportedly recovered in other areas of the basement, including the stairway, main room and bedroom.
Officers initially recovered a firearm and shell casings from the basement bedroom. Police later located a second firearm inside the home, bringing the total number of recovered firearms to two.
Authorities have not publicly stated who owned the firearms or confirmed which weapon, if either, was used in the fatal shooting.
Police also reported that DeAngelo Johnson was wearing an empty holster when officers found him on the first floor. That discovery prompted an officer-safety alert as officers searched the residence for the missing firearm.
Chicago police said the shooting appeared to be domestic-related and identified the alleged offender as the mother’s boyfriend.
Radio traffic indicated that a person had been detained by approximately 11:26 p.m. The official police report later confirmed that the known offender was taken into custody.
Two witnesses were reportedly available to identify the alleged offender, and officers conducted a show-up identification procedure near the scene.
Police have not released additional information about potential charges against the suspect.
The investigation into the Chicago Austin neighborhood double shooting remains ongoing. Detectives are continuing to examine the circumstances that led to the shooting, the relationship between the people involved and the role of the two recovered firearms.
The deaths of Angela Johnson and DeAngelo Johnson are being investigated as a double homicide.