A 17-year-old girl was arrested this week for making online threats against a northeast Austin elementary school, as revealed in court documents. Giana Castillo, the suspect, was identified by the FBI after they received a tip about concerning statements she made on Instagram regarding the planning of an active shooter event at Graham Elementary School. The FBI tracked the IP address of the account to Castillo and found that she had an active interest in previous active shooters and had posted alarming statements online. Court documents also indicated that Castillo had planned to kill her family members before going to the school’s campus.
Authorities arrested Castillo on Tuesday night, and she faces one charge of making terroristic threats, which is a third-degree felony. Following her arrest, AISD and the Austin Police Department released a joint statement, stating that Castillo’s parents are cooperating with law enforcement. Due to the threat, AISD increased patrols at Graham Elementary School to ensure the safety of students and staff.
According to online court records, Castillo was booked into the Travis County Jail, and her bond was set at $100,000. The Austin Independent School District sent a letter home to parents informing them of the situation and stating that the Austin ISD Police were contacted by the FBI about the online threat towards the school. The FBI had already located and arrested Castillo before the start of the school day, preventing any harm from occurring.
The school will hold a meeting on Monday to discuss safety protocols in light of the incident. The case remains under active investigation, with no further details released at this time.
### Swift Intervention and Prevention
Law enforcement agencies were able to swiftly intervene and prevent a possible tragedy thanks to the collaboration and quick action taken in response to the threat. The Austin Regional Intelligence Regional Intelligence Center (ARIC) School Safety Symposium played a crucial role in informing public entities of the incident, allowing for a coordinated effort between public safety, federal partners, mental health professionals, and educators.
The goal of the symposium was to create constant collaboration and communication to stay informed of potential threats before they escalate into dangerous situations. This proactive approach led to the quick identification and arrest of the suspect, ensuring the safety of the community.
### Commitment to Safety and Preparedness
Austin ISD Police Chief Wayne Sneed emphasized the district’s commitment to keeping the community safe and preventing any threats from materializing. Measures have been taken to recruit and onboard additional police officers in compliance with HB 3, expanding coverage districtwide, including at every elementary school.
Last year, a partnership with the Travis County Sheriff’s Office established a training center for active threats on campus, further enhancing preparedness and response capabilities. Annual tabletop crisis exercises with regional law enforcement, partner organizations, and healthcare teams ensure a coordinated and rapid response in the event of a crisis.
### Preventing Mass Violence Through Collaboration
Special Agent in Charge Aaron Tapp of the FBI’s San Antonio Field Office highlighted the importance of partnership in effective law enforcement and the prevention of mass violence. The collaboration between the Austin Police Department, the FBI, and AISD Police played a crucial role in preventing a potential tragedy and maintaining community safety.
Tapp encouraged residents to speak up and report any suspicious activity, emphasizing the collective effort needed to stop those who seek to do harm in our communities. By working together and remaining vigilant, individuals can make a difference in preventing violence and ensuring the safety of all.
### Encouraging Vigilance and Reporting
The Austin Police Department and its partners urged the community to report any suspicious or out-of-the-ordinary behavior immediately by calling 9-1-1. Maintaining open communication and staying vigilant are essential in preventing threats and ensuring a safe environment for all residents.
In conclusion, the swift intervention and collaboration between law enforcement agencies, public entities, and the community played a crucial role in preventing a potential school shooting in Austin. The proactive measures taken to address the online threats and the quick arrest of the suspect underscore the importance of communication, preparedness, and partnership in maintaining community safety. By remaining vigilant and working together, we can prevent tragedies and ensure a secure environment for all.
