14-year-old arrested after threatening to shoot up middle school, deputies in Florida say

A 14-year-old boy has been arrested on suspicion he made a threat toward a Volusia County middle school, according to school officials.

A tip was sent through Fortify Florida just after 5:45 p.m. Monday. The tipster said a threat was made at some point toward New Smyrna Beach Middle school, according to deputies.

Deputies said the student threatened to carry out a school shooting if an unknown video of him was released.

Officials later spoke with the student accused of making the threat and he admitted he told another student he was bringing a gun to school but said that he was joking, deputies said. He also admitted that he made a threat to shoot up the school during band class, deputies said.

The student was later taken into custody.

“These threats are not to be taken lightly,” New Smyrna Beach Middle School Principal Michael Leaders said in a voicemail to parents. “We are grateful to the students who heard something and reported it.”

Additional law enforcement officials were placed on campus Tuesday as a precaution.

About the Author