Press release from the University of Florida Police Department

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – A 13-year-old student from P.K. Yonge Developmental Research School was taken into custody by University of Florida Police due to a social media post that was perceived as a threat of bombing the school.

The arrest occurred late Thursday, with the student facing charges of one count of written threat to kill or injure, classified as a felony in Florida. Additionally, the student is charged with one count of filing a false report about planting a bomb or explosive device and one count of unlawful use of a two-way communications device. The UFPD has not disclosed his name since he is being charged as a minor.

The message, threatening to “bomb the school,” was posted on social media by the teenager Thursday evening. It was quickly noticed by several peers who promptly informed the school. UFPD officers and investigators collaborated rapidly with P.K. Yonge administrators to pinpoint the post’s author and determine the motive. 

The student who posted the threat later told UFPD officers that there was no intent to harm anyone at the school, and he had not considered how people would react to the perceived threat.  

The 13-year-old was taken to the Alachua Regional Juvenile Detention Center on the charges listed above.

UFPD Chief Bart Knowles would like to thank those involved for swiftly reporting this incident to ensure the safety and security of the school.