Broward County Teens Face Felony Charges After Making Threats Against Schools
Two 13-year-old students from Broward County, Florida, have been arrested in separate incidents for allegedly making threats against local schools via Snapchat. The arrests occurred during the first week of the new school year, raising concerns about the safety and security of students and staff.
First Incident
The first arrest took place on Saturday, August 10, when a 13-year-old boy allegedly posted a partial photo of himself on Snapchat, accompanied by a written threat to carry out a mass shooting at Broward County Public Schools (BCPS) offices in Fort Lauderdale. According to authorities, the teen was reportedly upset over a new school policy requiring students to keep their cellphones turned off or on airplane mode throughout the entire school day, including during lunch.
“The teen was tracked down at his home in Weston and taken into custody that same day,” the Broward Sheriff’s Office announced in a news release on Friday.
Second incident
Just days later, on August 15, another 13-year-old, this time a girl, was arrested for allegedly making threats against Cooper City High School, also on Snapchat. The details of this incident have not been disclosed by the sheriff’s office, but the threat was deemed serious enough to result in her arrest.
The school year for Broward County Public Schools had just begun on Monday, August 12.
Serious consequences
Broward County Sheriff Gregory Tony emphasized the seriousness of these threats during a news conference earlier in August. “None of this stuff is a joking or laughing matter,” Tony said. “If you threaten … on social media or anywhere else, we are going to track you down and arrest you.”
Both teens now face a felony charge for making written threats to kill, cause bodily harm, conduct a mass shooting, or commit an act of terrorism. Additionally, each student has been charged with using a two-way communication device to facilitate a felony.
“It’s unfortunate that this happens more times than not every school year,” Tony said. “Do not allow your children to make a mistake and get a felony arrest on their record that they’re probably not going to get rid of.”
The arrests highlight the ongoing challenge for schools and law enforcement in addressing threats made on social media, and the serious legal consequences that can follow for young offenders.
