Manatee County Sheriff Reports Threat of Mass Shooting by 9th Grader

Key Information

• Incident: Threat of mass school shooting
• Location: Braden River High School, Bradenton, FL
• Suspect: 14-year-old ninth-grade boy
• Arrest: Made after threats shared on Snapchat
• Charges: Written or electronic threats to kill or conduct a mass shooting (second-degree felony)
• Safety Measures: No unsecured firearms found in the suspect’s home

BRADENTON, FL — A ninth-grade boy, a student at Braden River High School, was apprehended for allegedly making threats concerning a mass shooting at the school, according to a release from the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office.

Authorities were alerted on Sunday at approximately 10:30 p.m. regarding alarming messages being circulated on Snapchat.

In these communications, the 14-year-old suspect explicitly stated his intention to shoot multiple individuals at the school, as noted by the Sheriff’s office.

As the investigation progressed, enough evidence was gathered to formally charge the boy with written or electronic threats to kill, cause bodily injury, or carry out a mass shooting or act of terrorism, a serious second-degree felony.

Although deputies released the name of the teen, it is Patch policy to withhold the identities of minors accused of crimes unless they face adult charges. It remains unclear if he has been charged as a juvenile or an adult.

Investigating deputies who searched the suspect’s residence found that he did not have access to any unsecured firearms.

“Ensuring students’ safety is our top priority, and we take all threat reports very seriously. Making threats concerning schools is a grave issue that can lead to severe repercussions. Please report any suspicious threats immediately,” stated Sheriff Rick Wells.