Memphis, TN, August 17, 2025

News Summary

The Memphis Police Department detained a 13-year-old girl following a reported threat involving a possible school shooting at Power Center Academy. The alarming claim arose when other students informed authorities of the girl’s statement regarding her brother’s intent to carry out the act. The girl’s parents expressed concern over the situation, noting a lack of communication from the school and questioning the validity of the threat, as the girl does not possess a cellphone and there are no firearms in their home. A hearing for the girl is set for the upcoming Monday.

Memphis Police Detain 13-Year-Old for Allegedly Threatening School Shooting with Brother

The Memphis Police Department has confirmed the detention of a 13-year-old girl following an incident where she allegedly threatened that her brother would shoot up Power Center Academy. The disturbing claim emerged on Friday and prompted immediate police involvement.

The alleged threat surfaced just as students were leaving school for the day. It was reported that three girls approached the school principal to inform her of the threat after an argument with the detained girl. One of the students later texted the girl, prompting a response where she allegedly confirmed the threat and stated that her brother would carry it out the same day.

The parents of the detained girl, Monica Bynum and her wife, expressed their concerns regarding the lack of information provided to them by the school. They noted that upon their arrival at the school, they were met by police officers instead of school administration, which they found surprising and unsettling.

Bynum raised doubts about the validity of the incident, noting that her daughter does not possess a personal cell phone and that there are no firearms in their home. The school reportedly sent a general email to all parents about the situation but failed to provide specific information about the girl’s involvement to her family.

The detained girl’s parents are seeking clarity on several points, including what device was allegedly used to send the threat, as well as why other students involved in the initial argument were not questioned or detained. Meanwhile, the girl herself is scheduled for a hearing on the upcoming Monday.

Details of the Incident

• The incident occurred on a Friday morning as students were leaving Power Center Academy.
• Three girls reported the threat to school authorities following an argument with the detained girl.
• The student in question allegedly indicated through a text that her brother would carry out the shooting.

Parents’ Concerns

• Monica Bynum and her wife claim insufficient information was communicated by the school.
• They were surprised to be greeted by police upon arriving at the school.
• They are questioning the validity of the communications and the decision to detain their daughter.

Legal Proceedings

The detained girl’s hearing is scheduled for the following Monday, and further details from this hearing may provide more insight into the situation, along with the school’s and police’s handling of the threat.

Background of Threats in Schools

School threats have become an increasingly serious concern across the nation, particularly in the wake of various tragic incidents. Schools typically have protocols for handling threats to ensure the safety of all students and staff. However, the specifics of each incident and the responses of school administrations can vary widely, which sometimes leads to confusion or concern among parents and students alike.

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Additional Resources

• Fox 13 Memphis
• Wikipedia: School Shooting
• WREG
• Google Search: Memphis school shooting threat
• Action News 5
• Google Scholar: School Violence
• Local Memphis
• Encyclopedia Britannica: School Security

Author: STAFF HERE MEMPHIS WRITER

The MEMPHIS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMemphis.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Memphis, Shelby County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Beale Street Music Festival, Elvis Week, and Memphis in May International Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Memphis Chamber and the Memphis Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in logistics, healthcare, and music that power the local economy such as FedEx, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, and AutoZone. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREChattanooga.com, HEREKnoxville.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.