Pflugerville, October 27, 2025
News Summary
Pflugerville police have arrested a 17-year-old linked to an online threat against the IDEA school. The suspect faces second-degree felony terrorism charges. The incident, which occurred recently, has prompted an ongoing investigation and increased police presence in local schools to ensure safety. School officials stress the importance of community vigilance in reporting threats and monitoring social media, as they work to maintain a secure learning environment for students and staff.
Pflugerville police have arrested a 17-year-old, identified as Ryan El Mokhtar El Gourari, in connection with an online threat made against the IDEA school on October 5. El Gourari faces a charge of second-degree felony terrorism, which can carry a penalty of up to 20 years in prison. The arrest occurred at 11:18 a.m. on Thursday, following an investigation that pinpointed him as the suspect for the threat that mentioned violence against the school located at 1901 E. Wells Branch Pkwy.
The investigation into the threat remains ongoing, according to the Pflugerville Police Department, which also emphasized the community’s responsibility to report any suspicious activity to ensure school safety. In light of the recent incident, Pflugerville Independent School District (ISD) officials announced an increase in police presence on campuses as they contended with a rise in social media threats against schools.
Weiss High School Principal Sheila Reed communicated with parents regarding a recent social media threat that, while deemed not credible, was taken seriously by law enforcement agencies. The district’s Superintendent Douglas Killian urged parents to actively monitor their children’s social media use and report any concerning activity that could potentially threaten school safety. This advice comes amidst a wider trend in which multiple Central Texas school districts, including Lake Travis ISD and Austin ISD, have recently faced threats, leading to escalated police presence within school environments.
School officials have reiterated their commitment to addressing all reported threats. They stress that any such threats, regardless of whether they are considered credible or not, can still lead to disciplinary actions or legal charges. This proactive approach aims to ensure the safety and well-being of students and staff.
As threats have become a growing concern, police departments and school administrators remind the community of the importance of vigilance in reporting any unusual behavior online. By working together, they aim to foster a safer environment in which students can learn without fear.
Key Details of the Incident
- Arrest of 17-year-old Ryan El Mokhtar El Gourari
- Charge: Second-degree felony terrorism; potential penalty: up to 20 years
- Location of threat: IDEA School, 1901 E. Wells Branch Pkwy
- Ongoing investigation by Pflugerville Police
- Increased police presence across Pflugerville ISD campuses
- District response to other recent threats in the Central Texas area
Safety and Monitoring Initiatives
In response to growing concerns, school officials recommend increased parental awareness and participation in monitoring social media activity to prevent threats. The district is determined to ensure that all safety precautions are in place, and any threats will be taken seriously and thoroughly investigated.
FAQ Section
What happened on October 5 at the IDEA school in Pflugerville?
Pflugerville police arrested a 17-year-old, Ryan El Mokhtar El Gourari, linked to an online threat made against the IDEA school on October 5.
What charges does Ryan El Mokhtar El Gourari face?
El Gourari was charged with second-degree felony terrorism, which can carry a penalty of up to 20 years in prison.
Why was there an increased police presence in Pflugerville ISD?
Pflugerville ISD officials announced increased police presence on campuses due to a rise in social media threats against schools.
What should parents do regarding their children’s social media use?
Superintendent Douglas Killian urged parents to monitor their children’s social media use and report any concerning activity.
What is the response of school officials to threats, even if deemed not credible?
School officials reiterated their commitment to investigating all reported threats, even those considered noncredible, as they can still lead to disciplinary actions or charges.
Chart of Key Features
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Arrest | Ryan El Mokhtar El Gourari, 17 years old |
| Charges | Second-degree felony terrorism; up to 20 years in prison |
| Investigation Status | Ongoing investigation by Pflugerville Police |
| Incident Date | October 5 |
| Location | IDEA School, 1901 E. Wells Branch Pkwy |
| Increased Police Presence | Across Pflugerville ISD due to social media threats |
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Additional Resources
- CBS Austin
- Wikipedia: Pflugerville
- Statesman
- Google Search: Pflugerville IDEA school threat
- KXAN
- Google Scholar: Pflugerville school threats
- KVUE
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Pflugerville
- Fox 7 Austin
- Google News: Pflugerville school threats
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