PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. — Port St. Lucie police have arrested a 14-year-old in connection with a bomb threat that was circulating on social media.
Police say that on Sunday evening, they received several calls from concerned parents, who had seen a TikTok video containing a bomb threat to Southport Middle School.
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A screenshot of the threat reportedly said, "On Monday the 20th Southport middle is getting bombed by me stay home alright."
Detectives say the teen did not have access to actual bomb-making materials and had posted the video as a "prank."
The fake threat triggered multiple 911 calls and tips to the online reporting application called Fortify Florida. Port St. Lucie police were able to identify and arrest the student within five hours.
Police say TikTok provided them with the IP address of where the account and threat were created. The teen was arrested at home on Sunday.
He was charged with one count of Electronic Threats to Kill, Do Bodily Injury or Conduct an Act of Terrorism and was transported to the Department of Juvenile Justice.
"I don't believe the parents had any knowledge that the student has posted this threat on social media," an investigator said. "The investigation did reveal that the student thought it was just a prank."
St. Lucie Schools confirmed they increased security on and around campus Monday but never went into lockdown since the arrest was made Sunday. Parents were notified of the situation.
Matthew Savastio, who lives across the street from the school, noticed the extra security Monday morning.
"It's kinda shocking because it's a 14 year old," Savastio said. "If I didn't know it was fake I would be more on edge."
Investigators believe there was no malicious intent and found no bomb-making materials.
"Students need to understand that there will be consequences for these types of actions," police said.
WPTV received emails sent to parents on Sunday night and Monday morning from the school's principal.
Sunday evening at 8:30 p.m.:
Good evening, Southport Parents and Guardians. This is Principal Lamb. I am reaching out to inform you about a social media post that is circulating that contains an alleged threat to our school. Both law enforcement and school security are aware of this and are actively investigating its source, including conducting home visits. At this time, there is no evidence to suggest that the threat is credible. However, out of an abundance of caution, we will have increased security on and around campus tomorrow.
The safety of our students and staff is our top priority, and we will continue to be vigilant in monitoring our campus. It is crucial for all of us to promptly report any concerns or suspicious activities to law enforcement, school administrators, or teachers.
Parents, please use this opportunity to discuss the responsible use of social media with your children. By working together, we can maintain a safe and secure environment where we can focus on teaching and learning.
Monday morning at 8:30 a.m.:
Good morning, Southport Parents and Guardians. This is Principal Lamb. I am reaching out to follow-up to my previous message. There was a social media post which was circulating that contained an alleged threat to our school. Both law enforcement and school security thoroughly investigated and deemed the threat to be not creditable. Anyone making threats whether joking or not will face serious consequences including suspension, expulsion, and arrest.
However, out of an abundance of caution, we will have increased security on and around campus today.
The safety of our students and staff is our top priority, and we will continue to be vigilant in monitoring our campus. It is crucial for all of us to promptly report any concerns or suspicious activities to law enforcement, school administrators, or teachers.
