Rumor of Mass Kidnapping in Virginia Stir Fear, Police Deny Claims

By Glesby Sandoval, Writer | September 10, 2025

Eastern Panhandle Politics in Virginia. Photo courtesy of Associated Press Images.

Rumors of widespread child kidnapping in Virginia have spread quickly online, but state police say the claims are false.

Posts on social media have alleged that more than 100 children between the ages 12 and 17 went missing in the beginning of August 2025. Some users even suggested that an ice cream truck spotted late at night was linked to the disappearances.

Virginia state police strongly deny the rumors. "Only two AMBER Alerts have been issued by Virginia State Police, and both children were found," officials confirmed. They also stated there is no evidence of a larger trend or coordinated kidnappings.

The timing of the viral claims connect with the release of Weapons, a Hollywood thriller that touched on themes of children's disappearances. Authorities note that the film's debut may have influences the spread of inaccurate stories online.

Police emphasized that they are not investigating the claims due to a lack of credible evidence and reminded the public to be cautious about spreading misinformation.