Police Arrest Teen and Seize Guns After Online Threats to ‘Shoot Up School’
A 17-year-old boy has been arrested and multiple firearms seized after police in Westminster were alerted to an alarming online video allegedly showing the teen threatening to “shoot up” a school.
Officers from the Westminster Police Department said they received a tip-off late on Sunday night after a video circulated on social media, featuring a male making chilling threats of violence against a local educational institution. Acting swiftly, authorities traced the origin of the video and identified the suspect as a local high school student.
Early Monday morning, officers executed a search warrant at the teen’s residence. Inside, they discovered a cache of weapons, including several handguns and a semi-automatic rifle, along with a quantity of ammunition. Investigators also reportedly found tactical gear and other items that raised concerns about the seriousness of the alleged threat.
The teenager, whose name is being withheld due to his age, was arrested without incident. He faces multiple charges, including making terroristic threats and unlawful possession of firearms by a minor. Police confirmed that additional charges could be filed as the investigation progresses.
Westminster Police Chief Maria Gonzalez praised the swift response of both the community and officers. “This could have turned into a devastating tragedy,” she said during a press conference on Monday afternoon. “We are grateful to the individual who came forward to alert us and to our officers who acted immediately to prevent potential harm.”
Chief Gonzalez emphasized the importance of taking all threats seriously, particularly when made in a public forum. “There is no such thing as a joke when it comes to threatening violence against schools,” she said. “We urge parents, teachers, and students to report anything suspicious. In this case, it may very well have saved lives.”
The teen is currently being held at a juvenile detention center. Authorities said he will undergo a psychological evaluation, and a hearing is scheduled later this week to determine whether he will be charged as an adult.
Meanwhile, school officials confirmed that additional security measures have been implemented across campuses in the area. “The safety of our students and staff is our highest priority,” said Dr. Alan Prescott, Superintendent of the Westminster School District. “We are working closely with police and have increased patrols around all our schools. Counseling services are also being made available for any students or staff who may feel shaken by this incident.”
The incident comes amid growing national concern over school safety and the role of social media in broadcasting threats. Experts say cases like this underscore the need for vigilance not only by authorities but also by members of the public.
“This is a reminder that threats made online can have very real consequences,” said Dr. Leah Martin, a criminologist specializing in juvenile crime. “We are seeing more young people engaging in this type of behavior, sometimes without fully understanding the gravity of their actions.”
Police continue to investigate whether the teen acted alone or if there were others involved. They have encouraged anyone with additional information to come forward.
“This was a close call,” said Chief Gonzalez. “Thanks to quick reporting and swift action, we were able to prevent a potential disaster.”
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