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Tapron Springs, FL - A 15-year-old student at East Lake High School in Tarpon Springswas arrested after allegedly threatening a mass shooting on social media.
According to the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office, the incident began when the student sent messages via Snapchat and a group chat that stated, “Everyone is incompetent imbecile and everyone is getting shot.”
Detectives from the Sheriff’s Threat Management Division investigated the messages and spoke with the student, who reportedly admitted to sending them.
The student claimed the messages were intended as a joke because she was upset about not being allowed to leave school early.
Despite the explanation, authorities arrested the student and charged her with one count of written threats to kill or conduct a mass shooting, a felony under Florida law.
The student was taken to the Pinellas Juvenile Assessment Center and is facing charges as a juvenile.
The Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office emphasized that all threats are taken seriously and that investigations into such incidents are conducted thoroughly to ensure the safety of schools and the community.
Officials continue to monitor the case and have not released additional details at this time.
Authorities encourage students, parents, and community members to report any suspicious or threatening activity to maintain public safety.