Full Breakdown
Arrest Made Following Threats Prompting School Closures in Minnesota
12/18/2025, 1:50:24 AM
Overview of the Incident
On Tuesday, December 16, 2025, multiple high schools in the Rosemount-Apple Valley-Eagan Independent School District 196 and Burnsville-Eagan-Savage School District 191 were closed due to online threats. A 16-year-old boy was arrested by Apple Valley police in connection with these threats, which were reported to have included social media posts suggesting potential harm to several schools, including Apple Valley High School, Eastview High School, and Rosemount High School.
Timeline of Events
- December 15, 2025: Initial threats were reported targeting a planned walkout at Apple Valley High School. These were investigated and deemed not credible.
- December 16, 2025, 6:45 PM: Apple Valley police were alerted to new threats circulating on social media.
- December 16, 2025, Morning: District 196 announced the closure of its high schools "out of an abundance of caution" as police investigated the threats.
- December 16, 2025, Afternoon: The 16-year-old suspect was arrested following the execution of a search warrant in Eagan. No weapons were found during the search.
Details of the Threats
The threats included images of firearms and a poll asking which high school should be targeted, specifically mentioning Apple Valley, Eastview, Burnsville, and Rosemount high schools. In response, classes were canceled at Apple Valley High School, Eagan High School, Rosemount High School, Eastview High School, and the School of Environmental Studies. Burnsville High School and Burnsville Alternative High School also dismissed students early due to separate threats.
Official Statements & Responses
Apple Valley police stated, "We are acting with safety as our first priority to cancel schools today to allow law enforcement to fully investigate this situation." District officials emphasized their commitment to student safety, noting that they treat all threats seriously, even if they are later determined to be non-credible.
Community Reactions
Parents expressed mixed feelings about the school closures. Some appreciated the swift action taken by the districts, while others questioned why younger students were not sent home as well. One parent, Kayla Woodworth, voiced her concerns, stating, "I felt fear immediately. I was terrified for my child." Another parent, Mindy Cassin, mentioned her son carries a bulletproof backpack due to safety fears.
Criticism & Opposition
Despite the proactive measures, some parents criticized the decision not to close all schools, particularly elementary and middle schools. They expressed frustration over the perceived lack of prioritization for younger students' safety.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
While the Apple Valley police confirmed the arrest of the 16-year-old, they also indicated that two other juveniles were being questioned regarding separate threats to middle schools. Authorities have stated that they do not believe these incidents are related and that there is no ongoing threat to public safety.
What's Next
Classes in both District 196 and District 191 are expected to resume on Wednesday, December 17, 2025, following assurances from law enforcement that there is no longer a threat. The investigation into the origins of the threats continues, with police working to trace the online accounts involved.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We are acting with safety as our first priority to cancel schools today to allow law enforcement to fully investigate this situation,” — Apple Valley Police Department
- “I felt fear immediately. I was terrified for my child,” — Kayla Woodworth, Parent
- “Our son goes to school with a bulletproof backpack that we special ordered because we're terrified.” — Mindy Cassin, Parent
- “This remains an active investigation; however, at this time we do not believe these threats are related and there is no indication of an ongoing threat to the public.” — Burnsville Police Department
