Teenager arrested for threatening Broward schools on Instagram

FORT LAUDERDALE, Florida. – Broward County Public Schools officials announced Sunday morning that a person had been arrested for making threats.

According to Broward Sheriff’s Office officials, a 14-year-old high school student in Lauderdale Lakes used her Instagram stories to threaten several Broward schools on Saturday afternoon, later saying she meant it as a joke

BSO officers worked with Fort Lauderdale Police Department, Plantation Police Department and Broward County Schools Police Department on this case.

“We want to remind everyone that posting online threats to commit acts of violence on school property is expressly prohibited and will result in serious consequences, including felony charges and expulsion. If you post a threat to commit acts of violence on school property, we will find you,” a BCPS spokesperson wrote in a statement.

Debra Hixon, a Broward County school board member whose husband was killed in the Marjory Stoneman Douglas School shooting, issued a statement on the case.

“It is so frustrating that this keeps happening. Threats should be taken seriously and the fear they cause students and staff is unforgivable. Whoever made this threat should be punished with severe consequences,” said Hixon, the vice chairman of the school board.

On Friday, Miami-Dade County Public Schools announced that police officers arrested a suspect accused of posting a violent threat against Lamar Louise Curry Middle School on social media.

“M-DCPS respectfully asks parents to continue to talk to their children about the importance of responsible social media use. Threats of any kind are taken seriously and those affected could face life-changing consequences,” an M-DCPS spokesperson wrote in a statement.

Police must take threats seriously. Marcee Gray allegedly called Apalachee High School in Winder, Georgia, to warn that her 14-year-old son was planning to go on a shooting rampage at the school. The teenager later used a rifle to kill two students and two teachers and wound nine others.

Local 10 News Assignment Desk writers Mercedes Cevallos and Joyce Grace Ortega contributed to this report.

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