Florida teen charged after threatening school shooting as 'joke'

Описание: OKALOOSA COUNTY, Fla. -- A Fort Walton Beach teen was arrested for threatening to shoot up a school in January.

The Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office says 15-year-old Joel Bravo-Jaramillo is charged with issuing a written/electronic threat to commit a mass shooting and using a two-way communication device to commit a felony.

Superintendent Marcus Chambers provided a statement following the teen's arrest.

"The safety of our students and staff is our highest priority. The Okaloosa County School District will not tolerate this type of behavior. As superintendent, I have zero tolerance for threats of violence that disrupt the safety and security of our campuses. Any threat, whether made in person, in writing, or online, will be taken seriously and addressed immediately. We are extremely thankful that a student chose to speak up and report this concerning behavior. Because of that courageous decision, school administration and law enforcement were able to take immediate action. This is exactly how our safety systems are designed to work: 'see something, say something.' I want to commend the students who came forward. Reporting threats is not only the right thing to do, but it also helps protect classmates, teachers, and our entire community. We encourage all students and parents to continue to communicate concerns directly to school administrators or law enforcement. We are grateful for the swift response and strong partnership of the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office. Our collaboration with law enforcement is critical to maintaining safe and secure campuses. Together, we will ensure that any actions that threaten the safety of our schools are addressed promptly, disciplined appropriately, and, when warranted, prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. We remain united in our commitment to keeping our schools safe, secure, and focused on teaching and learning."

According to the sheriff's office, Bravo-Jaramillo's threats were directed toward Choctawhatchee High School. Officials were notified of this on Jan. 16. Authorities were immediately involved.

"Investigation witnesses told the OCSO Bravo-Jaramillo had been making increasingly specific threats between December 2025 and January 2026," the sheriff's office says. "No weapons were found. A forensic analysis of his phone revealed it contained a document titled 'List 2026', containing names of students that attend or have attended Choctawhatchee High School."

During an interview, Bravo-Jaramillo admitted to investigators that he made the threats. However, he said they were "jokes."

Sheriff Eric Aden had the following to say about the incident.

"I commend those who reported the threats. Their willingness to speak up may have prevented a dangerous situation. Reporting concerns is the best way to protect your classmates, your school, your community, and yourself. I encourage parents to please talk to your children about the seriousness of violent statements and the importance of reporting concerning behavior immediately to school administrators or law enforcement. We are proud of our successful partnership with the Okaloosa County School District as well as those who did the right thing and came forward."

Bravo-Jaramillo was taken into custody on Feb. 9. He was transported to the Department of Juvenile Justice facility near Crestview.

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