Series of School Threats Across Dakota County Leads to Closures, Juvenile Arrest, and Heightened Police Presence
Published: December 17, 2025
DAKOTA & SCOTT COUNTY, MINNESOTA - A series of online threats directed at multiple schools across Dakota and Scott County prompted widespread investigations, temporary school closures, and the arrest of a juvenile suspect, according to information released by law enforcement agencies and school districts over the last few days.
Authorities say the incidents began Sunday night, December 14, 2025, and escalated into a multi-agency investigation affecting thousands of students, families, and school staff across Independent School Districts 191 and 196.
Initial Social Media Threats Reported Sunday Night
According to the Apple Valley Police Department (AVPD), officers were first contacted at approximately 6:45 p.m. on Sunday, December 14, after a concerning social media message referencing potential harm toward Eastview High School and Apple Valley High School began circulating online, which included the threat of a potential shooting at the schools.
School Resource Officer (SRO) from both Eastview and Apple Valley High Schools, along with school administrators and Apple Valley police officers, immediately reviewed the message and assessed whether any specific or credible threat existed. After examining the information available at the time, officials determined that no credible or actionable threat had been identified.
Both schools remained open on Monday, December 15, while law enforcement continued to monitor the situation out of an abundance of caution.
Message Continues Circulating, Schools Issue Safety Updates
Throughout Monday, the same social media message continued to circulate and was repeatedly reported to school officials and police. In response, administrators at Eastview High School and Apple Valley High School sent safety updates to families reiterating that law enforcement had found no credible threat.
Both Eastview and Apple Valley High School Principals emphasized that student and staff safety remained the school’s top priority and urged families and students not to repost or amplify unverified social media content, noting that doing so can increase anxiety and interfere with investigations.
School officials confirmed that Eastview and Apple Valley high schools remained open and operating as usual during the review.
Second Reported Threat Prompts District-Wide High School Closures
Late Monday night, December 15, 2025, a second reported social media threat was brought to the attention of police and administrators from Independent School District 196. This second threat, reviewed by staff at Limitless Media, once again threatened the potential of a shooting at several area high schools and included photos and video showing weapons. Following that report, district officials decided to close all District 196 high schools on Tuesday, December 16, out of an abundance of caution.
The closures affected:
Eastview High School
Apple Valley High School
Eagan High School
Rosemount High School
Eagan Area Learning Center
School of Environmental Studies
In a districtwide email sent to families early Tuesday morning, District 196 officials stated the closures were precautionary and not based on any confirmed or imminent threat. Students who had already arrived at school were dismissed in an orderly manner, and buses transported them home.
Elementary and middle schools within the district remained open, as the reported threats appeared to specifically target high schools.
Additional Threats Reported in Burnsville and Savage
As the investigation continued Tuesday morning, Burnsville Police were notified of a potential threat directed at Burnsville High School, which is part of the Independent School District 191.
Burnsville Police coordinated closely with district administrators and deployed additional officers to Burnsville High School to provide enhanced security and assist with the safe and orderly dismissal of students. Burnsville High School and Burnsville Alternative High School were ultimately closed for the remainder of the day.
Later that afternoon, Burnsville and Savage Police were made aware of a separate online threat involving Nicollet Middle School in Burnsville and Eagle Ridge Middle School in Savage, Minnesota. With the school day almost over, a plan was put in place to allow these students to be let out early while being escorted once again my law enforcement. Law enforcement also launched investigations into those reports and identified two juvenile suspects, who were being questioned by authorities, according to the Burnsville Police Department.
Search Warrant Executed, Juvenile Arrested in Eagan
As part of the broader investigation into the initial threats, Apple Valley Police detectives executed a search warrant at a residence in the City of Eagan on Tuesday, December 16, 2025.
According to police, a 16-year-old male was identified and arrested in connection with the series of school-related threats that affected schools in Burnsville, Apple Valley, Eagan, Rosemount, and surrounding communities. Authorities confirmed that no weapons were located during the execution of the search warrant. The juvenile suspect was taken into custody and was expected to be transported to the Dakota County Juvenile Detention Center, where formal charges would be sought through the Dakota County Attorney’s Office.
Because all suspects involved are juveniles, no names or identifying details have been released.
Schools Reopen; Eagan Police Provide Community Update
By Tuesday evening, administrators with Districts 191 and 196 announced that classes would return to normal for Wednesday, December 17, 2025.
On Wednesday, December 17, 2025, the Eagan Police Department released an update as schools across District 196 reopened and provided some clarity in the decision for the district to reopen.
According to the Eagan Police Department, it was confirmed that there is no credible information suggesting any ongoing threat to area schools. However, officials emphasized that investigations remain active and that heightened safety measures continue.
The Eagan Police said the following actions are currently underway:
Continued coordination between School Resource Officers and ISD 196 administrators
Real-time intelligence sharing with regional law enforcement partners
Ongoing monitoring of social media and investigation of reported concerns
An enhanced police presence at area schools
Police also issued guidance to parents, students, and community members, urging responsible social media use and emphasizing that making or sharing threatening posts — even as jokes — can result in serious legal consequences, including arrest and criminal charges.
Ongoing Investigation and Community Impact
Law enforcement agencies acknowledged that the incidents caused widespread concern and disruption across the south metro, impacting thousands of students, families, and school staff.
Officials from the Burnsville Police Department, Apple Valley Police Department, Rosemount Police Department, Eagan Police Department, and partner agencies thanked school districts, administrators, and cooperating law enforcement partners for their coordination during what was described as a stressful and concerning situation for the community.
Authorities continue to encourage anyone with direct knowledge of a specific or immediate threat to report it to law enforcement immediately rather than sharing it on social media.
The investigation remains active, and additional updates will be provided as information becomes available. Limitless Media News will continue to follow this developing story and publish verified updates as they are released by officials.
Related News:
Monday, December 15, 2025: Eastview & Apple Valley High Schools, Apple Valley Police Investigate Social Media Message; No Credible Threat Identified
Tuesday, December 16, 2025: District 196 Closes Four High Schools, Both Burnsville High Schools Close, Following Additional Social Media Threats
Tuesday, December 16, 2025: Update: 16-Year-Old Arrested After Series of School Threats Across Burnsville and Apple Valley
Written by: Will Wight
