‘Cat in the Hat’ trend turns into real threats at Alabama schools

DOTHAN, Ala. (WTVY) - A social media trend using the “Cat in the Hat” character is prompting police investigations nationwide, including in Covington County.

The trend starts when someone posts an AI-generated image to social media. Covington County Sheriff Blake Turman said the character is grafted onto images of schools, usually followed by a note that is somewhat threatening.

“Who would have thought that you take a Dr. Seuss character and make threats with it? I would have never thought that,” Turman said.

“They’re grafting this character onto images of their school, and it’s usually followed by some type of note and the note is somewhat threatening,” Turman said.

These threats often target specific schools or students. Covington County deputies responded to one of those threats.

“Any time that something is posted on social media that could be seen as threatening, we’re crossing the line there,” Turman said.

Turman’s deputies investigated and ruled that specific case non-threatening.

Andalusia City Schools officials say they know of multiple incidents tied to the trend.

“You may think you’re being funny, but it’s not funny,” Turman said.

A new Alabama law cracks down on school threats. Offenders face a Class B felony, suspension and expulsion.

“There could be some criminal charges that come from it. It’s not worth losing your freedom over. I wouldn’t recommend anybody to play around with this at all,” Turman said.

Turman said parents should check phones, watch feeds and report threats quickly.

“If you’re caught participating in it, and we get that call, we’re going to do everything by the book,” Turman said.

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