Researchers say someone used AI to create an image of a Kingston High School student with guns in a school setting.
KINGSTON, Mich. (WJRT) – There was an extra police presence at Kingston High School on Monday after the FBI received a tip about a possible threat.
The threat, which was created using artificial intelligence, was discovered on Friday evening, prompting local law enforcement agencies to take action.
Kingston Police Chief Albert Pearsall said local agencies, including the Michigan State Police and the Tuscola County Sheriff’s Office, were involved in the investigation.
“I just helped them find the students who may be involved,” Pearsall said.
Two students were questioned and were absent from school on Monday, although classes continued as normal.
“We beefed up our presence with the Tuscola County Sheriff’s Department, our school resource officer, and the Michigan State Police brought a dog to make sure everything was safe,” Pearsall said.
The threat involved a photo allegedly created with AI that depicted a Kingston High School student in a school setting with at least one weapon and a message warning not to come to school.
AI has previously been used to make false threats against schools, such as robocalls about active shooters. Pearsall stressed the importance of reminding students of the consequences of making school threats.
“Today they had a meeting about threats and things like that, and how to hold them accountable so we don’t get students in trouble,” Pearsall said.
Tuscola County Prosecutor Erica Walle is reviewing police reports and will make a charging decision soon.
