Teen Arrested After Threats Trigger Security Alert at D.C. Schools
A 15-year-old boy was arrested on Friday after making threats on social media that led to an increased police presence at multiple schools in Washington, D.C. The teenager, who resides in Brandywine, Maryland, was charged with making threats to kidnap or injure a person.
Threats Prompt Heightened Security in Washington Schools
The threats, which surfaced on Thursday, prompted Washington, D.C. public school administrators to notify parents about potential danger at several schools. According to officials, the threats were made on “multiple platforms targeting various high schools throughout the District.”
The Metropolitan Police Department confirmed it was investigating an anonymous threat made toward local schools but reported no incidents occurring at any of the schools on Thursday.
Arrest Made Following Investigation
On Friday, authorities announced the arrest of the 15-year-old suspect, revealing that the security alert was triggered by an Instagram post that displayed images of weapons alongside a list of targeted D.C. schools. Despite the alarming content, the investigation—conducted in collaboration with the FBI’s Washington field office—revealed that the teenager was not actually in possession of any firearms. The images of the weapons had been found online.
Ensuring School Safety
The incident highlights the swift response by law enforcement and school officials to ensure student safety, even though the threats were determined to be non-credible. Authorities emphasized that such threats are taken seriously, regardless of the intent behind them.
