Falls Church Teen Charged For Instagram Video With Fake Rifle

ARLINGTON, VA—A teen from Falls Church City has been charged in relation to an Instagram video with a fake weapon filmed outside a school, Arlington County Police say.

A Secret Service officer reported the video with an apparent weapon to Arlington County Police on Jan. 25. Police determined the video had been filmed at Wakefield High School and posted at noon that day. In the video, the teen is shown in the driver’s seat of a vehicle in the school's parking lot. The teen exits the vehicle, opens the trunk, places a black mask over his face and removes an apparent airsoft rifle.

Detectives determined the video contained a replica rifle and there was no threat to the school. After investigating social media posts and working with school administrators, police identified the teen.

The teen, whose identity was not released due to age, was charged for wearing a mask. No other charges were placed, as police determined the teen did not have the means to carry out a threat.

Police investigate all reports of threats and violence against schools and the community, and charges result when appropriate. Parents are encouraged to talk to their children about school violence and content they post to social media.

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