Fed up with a recent string of false school shooting threats, Florida sheriff Mike Chitwood followed through with his warning and released the mug shot of an 11-year-old accused of making threats to commit a mass shooting. Chitwood announced that minors who threaten school violence will face public embarrassment, with their names and arrest photos made public. The decision came after receiving numerous false threats last week, costing authorities close to $21,000 to investigate. Chitwood defended his decision to release the 11-year-old’s full name, mug shot, and video of his arrest, saying he will not tolerate threats against students and will hold offenders accountable.
The 11-year-old boy was arrested after allegedly making threats to commit a shooting at a middle school in Port Orange, Florida, and showing off weapons in a video chat. Investigators found airsoft rifles, pistols, fake ammunition, knives, swords, and a list of names and targets in the boy’s room. The boy claimed the threat was a joke but was taken into custody and charged with a felony.
These incidents follow a spike in false school shooting threats nationwide since a deadly shooting in Georgia earlier in the month. Chitwood reported 207 threats received this school year, with several arrests and weapons found on school campuses. The sheriff’s decision to publicize offenders has sparked debate, with some supporting his actions and others questioning the ethics of exposing children online.
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