Falfurrias Police: No Credible Threat Linked to Viral “Cat in the Hat” Trend

Falfurrias Police Department

FALFURRIAS, TEXAS (News Release) - The Falfurrias Police Department says there is currently no credible threat to schools, students or the public following social media posts circulating locally as part of the viral “Cat in the Hat” trend.

According to Chief of Police William Barton II, the department is aware of posts referencing the Falfurrias community and area schools. Investigators have determined the images and videos fueling the trend are edited or AI-generated, and the accounts behind the content have shown no demonstrated capability or intent to cause harm.

However, police said the situation is not being treated as a joke.

Detectives with the Falfurrias Police Department and Brooks County Sheriff's Office are actively working to identify the source of any social media post that names a school, student or location in Falfurrias.

Police also warned that creating or forwarding a post threatening a school can result in criminal charges.

Under Texas law, a false alarm or report involving a public school is a state jail felony. A terroristic threat directed at a school is also a state jail felony, according to the department.

Authorities emphasized that juveniles are not exempt from consequences. Cases involving juveniles can be referred to the juvenile justice system for prosecution.

Police urge parents to talk with children

The department is asking parents to talk with their children about what they are seeing and sharing online.

Police specifically urged residents not to repost or forward threatening images or videos, even when the intent is to warn others.

“Resharing is what gives the hoax reach and fuels the fear it's designed to create,” the department said.

Instead, parents and students should screenshot concerning content and report it directly to law enforcement or school administrators rather than circulating it.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Falfurrias Police Department or Brooks County Sheriff's Office.