On Sunday afternoon, police in Florida arrested a 17-year-old from Elevation High School in Sanford after investigating online threats made against Seminole High School by this student from Elevation. An anonymous tip alerted law enforcement to a video showing multiple weapons being displayed by this teenager, along with threats of violence. He was charged with making electronic threats of mass shootings or terrorist acts and arrested.
A video posted online purported to show a teenager boasting about his extensive arsenal, which included an AK-47 assault rifle, a Glock 19 handgun, and an M4 rifle. However, upon searching his home, police found airsoft guns, an airsoft vest, as well as several items, including a laptop, an iPhone, a knife, and notebooks – none of which correspond to what had been advertised in the video. Authorities took the threat seriously against this teenager, arresting him without incident at home.
The investigation was led jointly by several law enforcement agencies, including the Seminole County Sheriff’s Office, Homeland Security, the FBI, and Seminole County Public Schools. Sanford Police Chief Cecil Smith noted the swift coordination among agencies, which allowed for quick identification and protection from potential risks to teenagers seen on video footage.
The arrest of this teenager underscores a growing fear of online threats to schools, highlighting their seriousness even when made with exaggerated claims. Now facing legal consequences for making terroristic threats, this incident has initiated further dialogues around student safety and online behavior. Contact us for an Armed Security Guard Today!