A troubled young boy from Virginia, interested in disturbing content like snuff films and animal cruelty, made over 20 violent threats to schools in Florida this May. He claimed there were bombs at an elementary school and threatened to shoot any police officers who responded.
The boy, who remains unnamed due to his age, was arrested on July 19 in Henrico County, Virginia. This followed a series of threatening phone calls targeting schools in Flagler County, Florida, and other locations including Virginia, Alabama, Alaska, Tennessee, Nebraska, and the Maryland State House.
The boy, facing 29 felony charges and 14 misdemeanors, allegedly caused significant disruptions with his threats, leading to large police responses and school lockdowns. Authorities were shocked by his actions and the disturbing content he was interested in.
The boy admitted to making the calls and using techniques learned online to hide his identity. He had become obsessed with violent and cruel content during the pandemic, according to his family.
His actions may have inspired a similar threat from another young person. The boy is currently in juvenile detention in Virginia awaiting possible extradition. Officials are considering whether he should be tried as an adult. Florida State Attorney R.J. Larizza emphasized the dangers of the internet and the need for greater awareness.