Braden River High student arrested for social media threats of gun violence

A Braden River High School freshman was arrested today by Manatee County Sheriff's Office deputies for making threats of a mass school shooting.

The 14-year-old allegedly posted on Snapchat stating he was going to shoot people at Braden River High School. The Manatee County Sheriff's Office was notified of the threats Sunday night.

A Sheriff's Office release said it is a second degree felony to partake in “written or electronic threats to kill, do bodily injury, or conduct a mass shooting or an act of terrorism.” The deputies' investigation found they had probable cause to make an arrest.

The youth was arrested this morning and transferred to Manatee Regional Juvenile Detention Center. Although the investigation determined he did not have access to unsecured firearms, there is an extra police presence at Braden River High School today. 

"Students’ safety remains our highest priority, and every report of a threat is taken very seriously. Making school threats is a serious matter and results in significant consequences. If you see a threat, report it immediately," said Sheriff Rick Wells.