News Summary
In Colbert, Oklahoma, public schools have switched to remote learning after a serious threat of gun violence surfaced on social media. School authorities made this decision to ensure the safety of students and staff following a day of closures for investigation. Local law enforcement quickly assessed the threat, which has now been taken over by the FBI. With suspects identified, school officials stress the importance of community cooperation in reporting any additional information. As investigations continue, the district remains focused on maintaining safety protocols for all.
Colbert, Oklahoma – Schools Switch to Virtual Classes Following Threat of Violence
The public school system in Colbert, Oklahoma, is operating remotely on Friday after a concerning threat of gun violence was posted on social media platforms. The decision to shift to virtual classes was made to ensure student safety and prevent any potential harm.
School Closure and Safety Measures
On Thursday, the Colbert Public Schools campus was closed for the entire day. School administrators prioritized safety after discovering and assessing the social media message that contained the threat. The closure allowed law enforcement to investigate and increased security measures to protect students and staff.
Investigation and Law Enforcement Response
Initial local law enforcement agencies responded quickly to the online threat, working to determine its credibility and identify those responsible. Suspects have been identified in connection with the social media message, leading to increased concern among school officials and community members.
The investigation has now shifted to federal authorities, with the FBI taking the lead in examining the threat. This change in jurisdiction underscores the seriousness of the situation and the commitment to thorough investigation and safety precautions.
Details of the Threat
The social media post reportedly targeted potential victims individually and also posed a threat to the entire school community. While specific details about the content of the message have not been disclosed publicly, the threat was significant enough to prompt school closure and federal involvement.
School Response and Community Safety
Superintendent Taylor Matlock emphasized that safety remains the top priority and urged anyone who may have information related to the threat to cooperate with law enforcement. School officials provided contact options, including email addresses, for community members to share relevant information confidentially.
Additionally, police and school officials are working closely to monitor for any further threats and ensure that all safety protocols are in place. The school district is also reviewing its security procedures to enhance preparedness for similar situations in the future.
Background and Context
Threats of violence at schools have become a growing concern across the country, prompting swift responses from school districts when such threats are identified. Authorities stress that social media can sometimes spread misinformation or false alarms, but they remain vigilant, especially when credible threats emerge.
While no additional threats have been reported at this time, the incident in Colbert highlights ongoing issues related to school safety, cyber threats, and the importance of prompt law enforcement action in protecting students and staff.
Important Contact Information
Community members are encouraged to provide any relevant information to assist law enforcement efforts. They can contact school officials via email at [email protected] or [email protected].
The district remains committed to keeping students safe and maintaining transparent communication with families and the community as investigations continue.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- KTEN: Colbert School Threat Prompts Remote Learning
- Wikipedia: School Safety
- KTEN: School Threat Cancels Classes for Colbert Public Schools
- Google Search: Colbert Oklahoma school threat
- KTUL: Tulsa Man Arrested for Domestic Violence
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Gun Violence
- FOX23: Man Convicted of Assault and Gun Charges
- Google News: Violent Threats in Schools

Author: STAFF HERE RALEIGH WRITER
RALEIGH STAFF WRITER The RALEIGH STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERERaleigh.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Raleigh, Wake County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the North Carolina State Fair, Raleigh Arts Festival, and the Hopscotch Music Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Raleigh Chamber of Commerce and Visit Raleigh, plus leading businesses in technology and education that power the local economy such as Red Hat and NC State University. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAsheville.com, HERECharlotte.com, HEREGreensboro.com, and HEREOBX.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.