Sleepy Eye Police Department Addresses Social Media “Cat in the Hat” Threat Posts
The Sleepy Eye Police Department conducted an investigation on Tuesday, September 1, 2026, after being made aware by a concerned citizen of a social media post involving the images of Sleepy Eye Public School and St Mary’s School, the video was created by someone with the user name the Cat in the Hat.
The investigation resulted in the Sleepy Eye Police Department taking an adult male student into custody. Based on the information obtained during the investigation, there was no actual threat to the public or any school associated with that post. Any reports created as a result of this post are being submitted for consideration for criminal charges.
The Sleepy Eye Police Department has also become aware of a second Cat in the Hat-related post that contained a large list of what appears to be random first names and was subsequently removed from TikTok. That post remains under investigation, and law enforcement does not have any reason to believe there is a threat at this time to anyone who possess any of the names listed. The individual taken into custody in connection with the first post is not responsible for the second post.
At this time, the Sleepy Eye Police Department has determined that there is no credible threat to the public, any individual, or any school associated with these posts.
Nationwide Social Media Trend
The Cat in the Hat posts are part of a viral social media trend that has appeared in communities across the United States. The posts commonly involve the use of an AI-generated image of the Cat in the Hat and are being used to create fear or suggest threats.
The Sleepy Eye Police Department was first made aware of this trend on Tuesday after a concerned citizen reported a post. The department subsequently contacted the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA), which confirmed that the Cat in the Hat posts are part of a nationwide issue.
The incident resulted in understandable concern within the community and prompted a swift response from local schools and law enforcement. The Sleepy Eye Police Department takes all reports of threats seriously and will continue to investigate information brought to its attention.
Message to Parents and the Community
The Sleepy Eye Police Department encourages parents and guardians to speak with their children about the potential dangers and consequences of participating in social media trends and challenges.
What may appear to be a joke, prank, or viral trend can cause significant fear, disrupt schools and communities, and result in a substantial law enforcement response. Social media posts involving threats or perceived threats can also have serious legal consequences.
We encourage anyone who encounters a concerning social media post to report it to law enforcement rather than sharing, reposting, or participating in the trend.
The Sleepy Eye Police Department appreciates the community’s cooperation and the swift response of local schools, parents, and law enforcement partners. We will continue to monitor and investigate these posts and will provide additional information as appropriate.
At this time, there is no credible threat to the public or any school associated with the Cat in the Hat posts under investigation.
