Florida Sheriff Calls Out Parents and Students Over Bogus School Threats
In a recent press conference, Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood addressed the alarming trend of hoax school threats circulating on social media. The sheriff expressed his frustration at the significant resources that his agency has had to allocate towards investigating these false claims, with the cost amounting to nearly $21,000 in less than 24 hours.
Chitwood emphasized the need for parents to take responsibility for their children’s actions, stating that the situation is “absolutely out of control.” He highlighted that 54 threats were reported through the Fortify Florida app, a platform that allows citizens to report suspicious activity to law enforcement. However, upon investigation, all of these tips turned out to be false alarms, further underscoring the severity of the issue at hand.
Consequences for Making False Threats
The sheriff’s office took swift action in response to the spate of hoax threats, leading to the arrest of a 13-year-old and a 14-year-old student from Heritage Middle School. These students were charged with making written threats to kill, a felony offense, after allegedly posting about a school shooting on social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram. Authorities are also looking into a possible third suspect in connection with the incidents.
Chitwood made it clear that law enforcement will not hesitate to pursue legal action against both students and their parents for making false threats of school violence. He issued a stern warning to parents, stating, “Parents, you don’t want to raise your kids, I’m going to start raising them.” The sheriff emphasized that every time an arrest is made, the child’s photo will be made public, serving as a deterrent to others who may contemplate engaging in similar behavior.
Impact on School Communities
The repercussions of these hoax threats extend beyond the financial burden on law enforcement agencies. They also have a profound impact on the school communities affected by the disruptions caused by these false alarms. Chitwood urged parents to consider the emotional toll that such incidents take on families who have lost loved ones in actual school shootings, emphasizing the gravity of the situation.
The sheriff’s remarks come in the wake of a tragic incident at Apalachee High School near Atlanta, where a 14-year-old student shot and killed two students and two teachers. The devastating consequences of school violence serve as a stark reminder of the importance of taking all threats seriously and addressing them promptly and effectively.
As the investigation into the bogus threats continues, authorities are working diligently to identify and hold accountable those responsible for spreading misinformation and causing fear within school communities. The collaboration between law enforcement agencies, school officials, and concerned citizens is crucial in maintaining the safety and well-being of students and educators.
In conclusion, the issue of hoax school threats is a serious matter that requires collective action from parents, students, and law enforcement to address effectively. By fostering a culture of accountability and responsibility, we can work towards creating a safer environment for all members of the school community. Let us stand united in denouncing such reckless behavior and upholding the values of safety and security in our schools.