The Carmi Police Department is investigating after an AI-generated post connected to the “Cat in the Hat” social media trend included images of individual homes and school buildings in Carmi and neighboring communities.
Police say they were alerted to the post and are taking the matter seriously, but emphasized that there is currently no credible threat to the school district or its students.
According to the department, law enforcement agencies across the country have been dealing with similar posts, with several arrests reportedly made nationwide in connection with the trend.
Carmi Police are urging parents and guardians to speak with their children about the potential consequences of participating in or sharing threatening online content. Police say artificial intelligence and anonymous accounts do not prevent investigators from determining where posts originated, noting that digital records, social media metadata, smart-device activity and phone information can be used during investigations.
The department also warned that those creating or even reposting threatening material could face school disciplinary action or criminal charges.
Anyone who encounters a suspicious or threatening post involving local schools or individuals is asked to contact the Carmi Police Department at 618-382-4633 or by email at carmipolice@gmail.com.