Leibnitz police are investigating a credible threat of a school shooting made by two teenage girls⁢ on the social⁣ media platform ‌Snapchat. The threat ⁤was reported to authorities during ⁣the night of Saturday to⁢ Sunday.

The swift investigation led⁣ to the identification and arrest of a 14-year-old and a 15-year-old, both residents of the Leibnitz district. Both girls are currently in police custody and have confessed to making ⁣the threat. Though, they claim it was intended ​as a joke ⁢and that they had no plans​ to carry out an⁤ attack.

The Styria‌ Education Directorate has been⁣ informed of the situation, and further investigations are ongoing.

Police warn Against Treating Threats lightly

Authorities have strongly emphasized that making threats‌ of violence, including amoklauf (rampage shooting) and bomb threats, is a serious offense ⁤with severe consequences. Individuals convicted of such ​crimes face potential prison sentences ‌of several years and may be required to cover the financial costs associated with⁤ the police response.

This incident follows a recent case in Leoben, where a 16-year-old was brought before the court for multiple threats of ‍a school shooting. He‌ was sentenced to five months in prison, along with a period of probation assistance. Read more about the Leoben case here.

the increasing prevalence of online threats underscores the importance of responsible social media usage and the potential legal‌ ramifications of‌ online actions. Law enforcement agencies are taking these threats seriously ​and are committed to ensuring the safety of students and the public.