Repeated Bomb Threat Calls, Some Reportedly AI-Generated, Disrupted Schools in Wheatland, California

Summary

A series of anonymous bomb threat calls, some reportedly using AI-generated voices, targeted Wheatland Union High School and Bear River Middle School in Wheatland, California. The calls prompted an evacuation, canceled or delayed classes, and repeated campus searches. Police deemed the initial threats hoaxes. Schools added overnight security and other precautions as further calls continued.

Developers

• Synthetic media generation technology developers
• Synthetic audio generation technology developers

Deployers

• Synthetic media creators
• Malicious actors
• Information manipulation actors in the United States
• Information manipulation actors
• Hoax threat perpetrators

Harmed parties

• Wheatland Union High School (California)
• Teachers
• Students
• Minors
• Middle schools
• Middle school students
• High schools
• High school students
• Epistemic integrity
• Educators
• Educational communities targeted by threats
• Educational communities
• Bear River Middle School (California)
• Adolescents
• Schools