LCSO: Rickards student arrested for Instagram mass shooting threat
Just days before the end of the school year, a student at Rickards High School was arrested May 19 after allegedly posting a video on Instagram threatening a mass shooting at the school, according to the Leon County Sheriff's Office.
A tip about the video was received on May 15. The student, whose identity has not been released due to their juvenile status, has been charged with Written or Electronic Threats to Kill or Conduct a Mass Shooting. The student was taken into custody and transported to the Juvenile Assessment Center.
'The Leon County Sheriff's Office, in coordination with Leon County Schools, treats all threats toward schools with the highest level of concern,' the agency said in a statement. 'We remain committed to investigating any potential threats and ensuring the safety of students and staff.'
Authorities emphasized that all threats are taken seriously, regardless of their perceived credibility, and urged parents and guardians to speak with their children about the severe consequences of making such statements — even as jokes.
The Sheriff's Office also reminded the community about the availability of the FortifyFL app, which allows students and residents to anonymously report suspicious activity. Tips can also be made by calling 850-922-KIDS.
The arrest is the second at Rickards in less than two weeks. A 17-year-old student was arrested and charged with battery on a school official on May 7.
The teen was involved in a verbal altercation in the school's courtyard which prompted school staff to intervene, including a security guard and administrator. The student refused to go to the front office when instructed by the administrator. After the administrator attempted to escort her, the student resisted and began to punch the school official in the face repeatedly, according to LCSO.
This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: LCSO: Rickards student arrested for Instagram mass shooting threat
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