Maquoketa Teen Charged With Threat of Terrorism for Social Media Post

A social media threat targeting the Maquoketa Community School District set off a swift law enforcement response Thursday morning, February 19th, 2026. The excitement led to felony charges against a 16-year-old juvenile and precautionary safety measures across the school district.

Get our free mobile app

The Maquoketa Police Department reported it was notified at 11:37 AM  by the FBI National Threat Operations Center about a concerning social media post referencing the district. Officers immediately contacted school administrators and began coordinating a district-wide response to the possible threat.

Since the online message included a reference to the school buses, administrators chose to cancel routes district-wide for the day. Additionally, all district buildings were put into shelter-in-place, while officers continued to assess the credibility of the online threat. Additional law enforcement personnel were placed at each building, joining the School Resource Officers already on campus.

Families of bus riders were asked to make alternative pickup arrangements. Schools also required identification for anyone picking up a student. Parents were also allowed to collect their students early if they chose.

Following an investigation involving multiple agencies, authorities identified and charged a 16-year-old with Threat of Terrorism, a Class D felony under Iowa law. Since the suspect is a minor, officials have not released identifying information. In Iowa, adults charged with a Class D felony are subject to up to 5 years in prison and a fine ranging from $1,025 to $10,245.

Police confirmed that no injuries occurred and no credible danger to the community was ever present. Schools remained open under heightened security and resumed normal operations once concerns were addressed. The case now moves to the juvenile court system, where the charge remains an allegation unless proven in court.