A young boy from Virginia has been arrested for making over 20 violent threats to multiple schools in Florida, including one where he claimed there were two bombs at an elementary school and he would shoot every police officer that responded. The unidentified minor, who authorities have dubbed a “juvenile terrorist,” was apprehended on July 19 in Henrico County, Virginia, roughly two months after the alleged nine-day spree of calls primarily targeting schools in Flagler County, Florida.
The boy also made similar threats to other states such as Alabama, Alaska, Tennessee, and Nebraska, as well as the Maryland State House. This led to massive police responses, locked-down schools, and worried parents in those areas. The youngster now faces 29 felony counts and 14 misdemeanors for his alleged actions. Flagler County Sheriff Rick Staly has called the boy a “juvenile terrorist” who created chaos and mayhem within communities.
One of the calls allegedly included the threat to shoot everyone in the head, while another claim was made about murdering his teacher. Police were able to trace these disturbing calls back to the boy’s home in Henrico County, where he was arrested. The youngster admitted to making the calls and even revealed that he had used methods learned online to deceive law enforcement officers and hide his identity.
The investigation into the case uncovered a darker side to the youngster, revealing an interest in animal and human cruelty, as well as violent content such as snuff videos featuring people or cats. The boy’s mother told authorities that he had become consumed by the internet during the pandemic, while his brother described him as “weird” with “something wrong with him.
The youngster allegedly used a script and acted alone when making these threats. His actions have seemingly inspired at least one copycat call in which another 13-year-old boy threatened to blow up a Florida middle school. The boy is currently being held in juvenile lockup in Virginia pending his extradition, with authorities considering whether to try him as an adult.
State Attorney R.J. Larizza emphasizes the importance of understanding just how dangerous the internet can be, stating that “sometimes you have to get smacked in the face before you realize something.” The youngster’s case serves as a reminder of the potential threats lurking online and the need for vigilant monitoring of children’s online activities.
