Posting on Facebook may be fun, but when you make a Facebook post asking a question about bringing guns to school, you'll end up in hot water. This New Mexico mom made the mistake of writing about a possible school shooting attempt instead of contacting the police, resulting to her conviction and a fine.
Facebook Post About Bringing Guns To School
Jeanette Garza Alvarez, out of sheer innocence, -- or ignorance -- asked Facebook users if any of their kids go to Sierra Middle School. Her query didn't end there though. She made a subsequent statement saying, "My son says some 8th graders are planning on bringing guns to school maybe Monday and have a shootout to see who's the first to die."
According to Good Housekeeping, the mom was just trying to confirm the rumor, which was why she was asking online. Though her question was without malice, the mere rumor of students planning to bring guns to school made many parents panicky, causing them to prohibit their children in school.
Facebook Post Without Malice
Malice is not a requisite in acts where mere negligence is punishable. In the case of Alvarez, her Facebook post caused widespread panic among parents. It led to 160 children skipping classes that Monday. In addition, the school administration received about 100 calls.
Having caused panic of such magnitude, Alvarez was convicted for creating public nuisance. Imposed penalty was a 30-day deferred sentence. She also had to shell out $29 for court fines, according to the Associated Press.
Duty To Report To Police Not Post Online
Todd Wildermuth, Roswell Police spokesman said that parents who come to learn of such info must report to the police and not post online. The police said, via the Washington Post, that the mother's concern for the safety of her son and the other students was understandable, but she should have called the school or the police department instead of posting on Facebook.
Although it was petty misdemeanor with only a light penalty, Alvarez's attorney still plans to appeal the conviction. He also stated that Alvarez's First Amendment rights have been violated.
Other Cases Of Facebook Post Gone Wrong
This wasn't the first case of people ending up in hot water for posting on Facebook. One 12-year-old girl from Virginia was also charged for an Instagram post which showed the use of a bomb, knife and emoji. Said girl was charged for threatening her school.
Do you know of other instances where people ended up in hot water because of a social media post? Share your thoughts below.
