The Smiths Station High School threat case highlights HB7 crackdown on school terrorist threats as Alabama lawmakers advance legislation aimed at strengthening penalties and improving school safety statewide.

According to the Lee County Sheriff’s Office, authorities arrested 18-year-old Dontae Deshawn Ford, a former Smiths Station High School student, after investigators identified him as the individual responsible for making a social media post threatening to shoot up the school.

Investigators took Ford into custody while at his home and he admitted to making the threat.

Ford was charged with making a terrorist threat in the first degree. He is currently being held in the Lee County Detention Center on a $15,000 bond, with $2,000 cash required. He is also prohibited from being on school or educational facility property.

HB7 — brought by State Rep. James Lomax (R-Huntsville), who was just appointed as the Alabama House Majority Whip — would clarify the legal definition of credible threats and strengthen penalties for individuals who make threats that disrupt school operations or threaten violence. The legislation also reinforces coordination between school officials and law enforcement when threats occur.

State Sen. Matt Woods (R-Jasper), who prefiled HB7 before being elected to State Senate, said stronger deterrence measures are necessary to protect students and educators.

“We need our students and school employees focused on learning, not lockdowns,” Woods previously told Yellowhammer News. “Threats to schools and churches are serious and must be treated as such.”

HB7 is currently progressing through the legislative process as lawmakers continue prioritizing school safety measures across Alabama.

 Sherri Blevins is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You may contact her at [email protected].