Minnesota BCA breaks down concerns about viral ‘Cat in the Hat’ Trend

SLEEPY EYE, Minn. (KEYC) - The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension said a threatening TikTok post that shut down Sleepy Eye Public Schools and St. Mary’s Catholic School on Tuesday, Sept. 1, was the first instance in Minnesota of a concerning national social media trend.

As part of the trend users have been sharing photos or AI video featuring the Dr. Seuss character the ‘Cat in the Hat’ to send threatening messages online.

Drew Evans, superintendent of the BCA, said that there have been no credible threats attached to the trend, but the BCA and local law enforcement try to treat all social media trends involving threats are investigated as if they are serious and investigated appropriately.

Evans said even if it isn’t a credible threat, trends like this can still be dangerous because a real violent actor could mimic the trend to advertise their plans, it could divert law enforcement resources, or be used to harass local community members like with swatting.

Due to those risks the BCA encourages students, parents and other community members to say something if they see similar threats online.

“If you’re hearing about things, if you’re hearing about any possible threats or somebody is saying that they’re going to cause harm tell a trusted adult, tell a friend, tell a teacher, tell law enforcement. It doesn’t always mean somebody gets in trouble. Most of the time its a call for help from the person making the threats, and we need to hear from you to make sure,” Evans said.

The BCA said the first thing someone should do if they see a post threatening violence online is contact their local police department by calling 911 and report it to the BCA by calling 877-996-6222 or emailing bca.tips@state.mn.us

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