Texas residents recently received a statewide alert designated as a Blue Alert, triggering discussions and inquiries about its significance and implications.
On October 3, 2024, an alert was issued to Texas residents following an incident in Hall County. Upon receiving the alert, many Texans expressed concern and confusion regarding its nature. For many users on X, the alert was better than an alarm to wake them up at 5 am.
"No better alarm clock than a blue alert amirite," one wrote on X
According to the California Highway Patrol, a Blue Alert is only issued when a law enforcement officer has been violently attacked, creating an immediate danger to other officers or the general public.
Numerous users on X expressed discomfort and frustration regarding the alert, particularly those not residing in Texas, who still received the notification. Many voiced concerns about the expected course of action in response to an alert issued at 5 am.
"Ah, good. A bluee alert at 4:50 am for *checks notes* HALL COUNTY when I’m in TARRANT," one wrote on X.
"I LIVE IN HOUSTON WHY THE F**K ARE YOU WAKING ME UP AT THE A** CRACK OF DAWN FOR SOME BLUE ALERTT HAPPENING 8 HOURS AWAY," a netizen wrote.
"Pushing a “Blue alert” through at 4:50 am using the whole-state emergency alert system for a state as big as Texas is insane," another said on X.
"a f***ing alert at FOUR IN THE MORNING on my day off," one more said on X.
"Dear @TxDPS... I have no idea where Hall County is. Cut this s**t out," one more said on X.
According to WFAA News, the Bas Department of Public Safety set the Blue alert shortly before 5, allowing a search for a suspect in Memphis, Texas.
Blue Alert explained: The circumstances behind its activation
According to the California Highway Patrol, the Blue Alert system was established by Senate Bill 839, which became law in 2011, adding Section 8594.5 to the California Government Code.
The alert is issued when an officer has been violently attacked under any circumstances. The primary purpose of disseminating an alert to residents in the United States is to inform the public of the situation and to mitigate the risk of further harm.
As per California Highway Patrol, there are four criteria for the alert to be active. The criteria are set under Government Code section 8594.5:
- A law enforcement officer has been killed, sustained severe injuries, or has been attacked with a deadly weapon.
- A law enforcement agency conducting an investigation has concluded that the suspect presents an immediate danger to the public.
- A description of the suspect's vehicle or license plate is available for broadcast.
- Sharing the available information with the public can help prevent further danger and speed up the process of catching the suspect.
According to WFAA News, the alert was activated because a suspect named Seth Altman was wanted. The 33-year-old Seth Altman is described as white, 6 feet, 2 inches tall, weighs 220 pounds, has red hair, and has blue eyes. According to the publication, the suspect was last seen on October 2, 2024, around 11 pm in the 200 block of South 4th Street in Memphis, approximately 90 miles southeast of Amarillo and 275 miles northwest of Dallas.
Moreover, he was seen heading towards the U.S. 287. The reason for his wanted search was given by KVII in Amarillo, which suggests that the suspect shot a police officer multiple times on Thursday night. The search for the suspect continues.