Fed up with a recent surge in false school shooting threats, Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood announced a new policy to publicly shame minors who make threats of violence against schools. Following through on his promise, Chitwood released the mugshot of an 11-year-old boy accused of making threats of a mass shooting at a middle school.
The decision came after local authorities received numerous tips of threats through the Fortify Florida app, all of which turned out to be false. Chitwood expressed frustration at the cost and disruption caused by these hoaxes, vowing to hold parents accountable if necessary.
The 11-year-old boy was charged with a felony for allegedly making written threats of a mass shooting, with investigators finding a list of names and targets in his possession. The boy claimed it was a joke, but was taken into custody and processed by the juvenile justice system.
Chitwood’s decision to release the boy’s name, mug shot, and video of his arrest sparked controversy, with some supporting the sheriff’s actions while others questioned the ethics of exposing a minor online. This incident is part of a larger trend of false school shooting threats following a deadly incident in Georgia, with over 200 threats reported to local authorities.
Overall, Chitwood’s actions highlight the seriousness of school threats and the potential consequences for those responsible, regardless of age.
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