Moorhead (trfnews.i234.me) Moorhead police and Moorhead Area Public Schools responded Monday, Jan. 12, 2026, after a social media post raised concerns about a possible school threat.
Officials said the post showed a shadow that looked like a gun. Police later confirmed it was a water gun.
Post reported to officials
School officials said the post was taken seriously right away. They activated safety steps used for threats.
Authorities said the situation involved a Horizon Middle School student. The student was not at school on Monday.
Item confirmed as a water gun
Police said they spoke with the student and family. They confirmed the item in the post was a water gun.
Officials said there is no known ongoing threat to district schools.
The student will remain out
School officials stated that the student will not return until the investigation is completed.
Authorities did not release the student’s name. No injuries were reported. Officials did not report any other suspects.
Officials urge parents to monitor social media
The Moorhead police chief urged parents and guardians to stay involved. He said families should monitor their kids’ online activity and talk with them.
Officials said quick reporting helped them respond fast. They encouraged families to report concerns to trusted adults.
Resources
For district updates, visit Moorhead Area Public Schools.
For public safety information, visit the Moorhead Police Department.
Minnesota school safety resources are posted by the Minnesota School Safety Center.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.
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Run a school like a prison, and you’ll get inmates instead of students…
I don’t like the Moorhead school district… we need smaller schools
Jennifer Elizabeth your crazy. Of the cities Ive lived in with my kids attending different schools. It Happens all over. But the best school district they have been in is Moorhead. Now I’m moving closer to my family because the crime here is getting way out of hand. Other than that I would stay here. You don’t have kids so you shouldn’t be commenting on schools when you don’t deal with it yourself