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A 12-year-old Albany girl is facing a serious criminal charge after authorities say she used Snapchat to threaten gun violence at Stephen and Harriet Myers Middle School, prompting an arrest and a safety sweep of the building over the weekend.
According to the Times Union, Albany police were notified Saturday (February 21) at around 6 p.m. about a Snapchat message threatening to "shoot up Stephen and Harriet Myers Middle School on Monday, February 23, 2026." Officers immediately conducted a safety check of the school and confirmed the building was secure.
Investigators quickly identified the student as the source of the threat. WNYT reports that the girl was arrested Sunday (February 22) afternoon. Her name has not been released because of her age.
The student has been charged with Making a Threat of Mass Harm, a misdemeanor. She was issued an appearance ticket and is scheduled to appear before Albany County Probation Services this Monday (February 23) morning.
CBS6 Albany reports that the Albany Police Department has remained in close contact with the school district throughout the investigation. Officials confirmed there are no additional threats to students or staff at this time.
The department is urging parents to speak with their children about the gravity of such threats. Police made clear that any threat of violence — whether made in person, by text, or through social media — will be taken seriously and fully investigated.
The girl's case now moves to Albany County Probation Services, where officials will determine next steps in the juvenile justice process.