Teens Charged For School Shooting Threats In Fairfax County

HYBLA VALLEY, VA—Two teens have been charged after threatening a shooting at Walt Whitman Middle School on social media. The teens, aged 14 and 15 and who are from the Alexandria area of Fairfax County, each face a charge of threats to commit serious bodily harm to persons on school property.

Investigations revealed the two boys had just been joking, but police take these kinds of threats seriously. Officers first learned of the threat Feb. 17 and identified the two suspects. The boys allegedly posted the threats to impress a girl.

The two boys turned themselves in and faced a detention hearing. They were sent home and are under electronic monitoring. If they are convicted, police will seek restitution from the suspects or their guardians to cover the costs of these investigations.

Fairfax County Police have investigated 24 school related threats or complaints since the Feb. 14 mass shooting that killed 17 people at Stoneman Douglas High School in Florida. Among the 24 reports, the threats against Whitman Middle School was the only case resulting in charges.

Between August and December 2017, police investigated 28 separate threats against Fairfax County Public Schools. Five students were charged with a total of eight criminal offenses, and two others were detained for mental health treatment.

Police encourage parents to discuss the seriousness of threatening a school shooting and minors could face felony charges. "It is important that everyone understands there is nothing funny about any reference to violence in or around our schools, 'joke' or not," reads a statement Fairfax County Police released. "Such statements will not be tolerated and will be considered threats. We investigate and document every concern brought to our attention and will charge those responsible, even if they are under the age of 18."

Residents are urged to report suspicious activity on social media and elsewhere to by calling the non-emergency line at 703-691-2131. If it’s an emergency, call 911. Students can also call the anonymous FCPS safety tip line at 571-423-2020, text 571-418-6870 with the keyword TIP or send a tip online.

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