UPDATED: MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — A Murfreesboro man scheduled to appear in court this week remains behind bars after being arrested in connection with alleged online threats targeting a Rutherford County school, a case that authorities say highlights how quickly digital threats can disrupt communities and trigger major law enforcement responses.

According to the Murfreesboro Police Department, members of the department’s Special Operations Unit Immediate Response Team arrested 24-year-old Bah Mu around 9:54 p.m. on Wednesday, January 21, at the Jackson Motel on Northwest Broad Street. Investigators say Mu allegedly made threatening online posts referencing Rutherford Collegiate Academy, a local charter school built as a college-preparatory institution for elementary students.

Police charged Mu with threat of mass violence against a school, a felony offense under Tennessee law.

Investigation Began After Citizen Tip -  The investigation began after a concerned citizen alerted authorities that Mu had posted a photo of the school online accompanied by threats of violence. Police say the report allowed officers to quickly investigate the situation and take action.

Authorities noted that public awareness often plays a critical role in preventing potential threats. In this case, investigators say the citizen’s report helped law enforcement identify the suspect and intervene before the situation escalated.

Arrest and Booking - After being questioned by authorities, Mu was taken into custody and later booked into the Rutherford County Adult Detention Center at approximately 2:40 a.m. on January 22.

As of March 10, Mu remains jailed at the facility on a $100,000 bond. Court records show he is scheduled to appear in court on March 11 in Rutherford County General Sessions Court, and again on Friday, March 13 in the Circuit Courtroom of Judge Ben Bennett.

Charge Carries Felony Penalties - Mu was charged under Tennessee Code Annotated § 39-16-517(b), which addresses threats of mass violence against schools.

Under Tennessee law, a person can be charged if they recklessly threaten an act of mass violence on school property or during a school-related activity using any form of communication, including social media, written messages, or verbal statements.

The law defines mass violence as an act that could reasonably lead to serious bodily injury or death of two or more people.

As of July 1, 2024, the Tennessee Legislature increased the severity of the charge from a misdemeanor to a Class E felony, reflecting growing concerns over school safety.

If convicted, penalties may include:

• 1 to 6 years in prison

• Fines of up to $3,000

• Possible restitution for costs related to school disruptions

Courts may also require a mental health evaluation as part of bail or pretrial conditions.

Growing Concern Over Digital Threats - Law enforcement officials say cases like this demonstrate how threats made online can rapidly spread through social media platforms and create significant disruptions for schools and families.

Even when threats are ultimately determined to be false or exaggerated, they can still lead to lockdowns, increased police presence, and widespread concern throughout the community.

In a separate incident earlier this year, a Rutherford County high school was placed under a precautionary hold after authorities investigated a threatening phone call. That threat was later determined to be not credible but still resulted in heightened security measures.

Experts say incidents like these reflect a national trend where school safety efforts increasingly involve monitoring digital behavior and responding quickly to threats communicated through online platforms.

Community leaders say one of the most effective tools in preventing potential violence is public vigilance.

“When someone sees something suspicious online and reports it quickly, it allows investigators to respond before a situation escalates,” a local official said.

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