HARFORD COUNTY, MD — Two schools in Harford County received a general threat, and the same threat was sent to schools across the country, officials say.

The exact same message being shared across the country describes a three-step plan to threaten schools, terrify everyone, then pull the fire alarm and shoot people. The message is designed as a warning for students to spread on social media. It begins, “People are saying that…” and “…I’m not sure if that’s true, but that’s what I keep hearing people say, and I just want everyone to stay safe to spread that message.”

School police officers at the two HCPS buildings where parents reported the image with the above messages are aware of the situation. SROs and the Harford County Sheriff’s Office are still investigating but do not believe the messages are credible, the HCSO said.

The Maryland Center for School Safety confirmed that the same image and message were shared with students in schools across the state and country, the sheriff’s office added.

“While we believe this is not an actual threat to schools, but rather a means to create unrest and panic, we still take every report of a threat very seriously. Our law enforcement partners continue to investigate and are in and around our buildings to ensure their presence is seen and felt on our school campuses,” the HCSO stated. “We hope the person spreading this false fear is identified and prosecuted. A false threat not only disrupts school life, but also the mental health of our entire community and the duties of our law enforcement partners. If you see something, say something – do not share it or post it on social media.”