District Pledges Prosecution After Ransom Middle School ‘Bot’ Threat

September 23, 2026

Escambia County Public Schools officials emphasized Tuesday that disruptive hoaxes will not be tolerated and that the district intends to push for full criminal prosecution following a bomb threat that delayed the start of the day at Ransom Middle School on Tuesday.

The incident began Tuesday morning when a threat targeting the campus was submitted through a tip line. In response, school administrators rerouted incoming buses and students to nearby Kingsfield Elementary School while the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office deployed K-9 units to conduct a comprehensive sweep of the West Kingsfield Road campus.

Deputies gave an all-clear by 10:15 a.m., allowing students to return to campus approximately an hour past their standard start time after investigators deemed the incident non-credible.

District officials made it clear they will actively pursue anyone responsible.

“This morning, Escambia County Public Schools received a threat against Ransom Middle School. Out of an abundance of caution, we contacted law enforcement and efforts to secure the campus were undertaken,” said Cody Strother, communications coordinator for Escambia County Public Schools. “Ransom’s campus was subsequently secured and law enforcement commenced a thorough investigation. As the campus was secured, the threat was deemed non-credible and classes were resumed. Because the safety of our students and employees is our top priority, we will continue working closely with the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office to bring the perpetrator of this crime to justice.”

Investigators believe the incident may be tied to a broader pattern of automated harassment. According to Escambia County Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Morgan Lewis, another Florida school received a nearly identical “bot” threat earlier Tuesday morning.

Bot threats are often automated messages generated by computer software or scripted online accounts designed to blast out fake emergency warnings, swatting calls, or bomb scares across multiple jurisdictions simultaneously. While these computer-generated hoaxes rarely indicate physical danger on site, law enforcement and school officials must treat every incident as an active emergency until cleared—causing widespread disruption for families, pulling first responders away from actual emergencies, and tying up critical emergency resources.

Under Florida law, making a false report concerning a bomb or explosive weapon on school property is a felony offense. District leadership and sheriff’s investigators are continuing their joint investigation to trace the digital origin of the message and hold those involved accountable.

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Written by William Reynolds · Filed Under TOP STORIES