On February 19, 2026, at 11:37 a.m., the Maquoketa Police Department received information from the FBI National Threat Operations Center regarding a social media threat involving the Maquoketa Community School District. Law enforcement immediately notified school officials. While the School Resource Officer was already at one of the schools, additional officers were positioned at all other schools to ensure student and staff safety while the threat was assessed.
As a result of the investigation, a 16-year-old juvenile has been charged with Threat of Terrorism, a Class D Felony. The Maquoketa Police Department is proud of its relationship with the Maquoketa Community School District and will continue the ongoing effort to ensure the safety of its students, families, and staff. Due to the age of the suspect, no further identifying information can be released.
The Maquoketa Police Department thanks the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, Iowa Department of Natural Resources, Preston Police Department, Maquoketa Community School District, FBI, Maquoketa Communications Center, Jackson County Co-Responders, Jackson County Attorney’s Office, and the Juvenile Court System for their prompt assistance.
A criminal charge is merely an accusation; all subjects are innocent until proven in a court of law.
Dan Zeimet
Chief of Police
