Florida middle schooler allegedly had homemade firearms in robbery plot: Sheriff
Authorities say the boys researched weapons and explosives online, and investigators found materials that suggested a larger violent plot was interrupted.
- On April 27, St. Johns County Sheriff Robert Hardwick's office received a FortifyFL tip reporting two Switzerland Point Middle School students using Telegram to discuss homemade weapons and conspiring to commit armed robbery.
- The ATF Forensic Science Laboratory identified homemade explosives including ETN and black powder seized from the 14-year-old's Tivoli Drive residence, while investigators recovered a tactical vest bearing white supremacy symbols referencing the 51 victims of 2019 Mosque shootings.
- Arrested April 30, the 14-year-old remains in the St. Johns County jail on $240,000 bail, charged as an adult with multiple counts. The 13-year-old was arrested June 29, served 21 days in juvenile detention, and was released.
- Deputy Superintendent Paul Abatinozzi said, "We are grateful for the actions taken by the Sheriff's Office." Officials confirmed the plot targeted an individual behind a Publix on County Road 210, not the school itself.
- Sheriff Robert Hardwick and ATF Assistant Special Agent Carlos Martin described the investigation as active due to case complexity. Hardwick said, "Knowing what your children are consuming online and the activities they engage in should be a priority for parents.
7 Articles
7 Articles
An investigation initiated following a complaint about a conversation between two high school students led to the discovery of three home-made weapons
"We prevented a tragedy," the sheriff claims - "He was obsessed with people who had committed mass shootings at schools" - They communicated via Telegram and discussed "holding someone hostage at gunpoint" in order to rob them
Middle School Student Arrested After Homemade Firearms Found in Alleged Robbery Plot, Sheriff Says
Internewscast Journal Internewscast A 14-year-old Florida middle school student was arrested and charged as an… This Post: Middle School Student Arrested After Homemade Firearms Found in Alleged Robbery Plot, Sheriff Says first appeared on Internewscast Journal
Middle school student arrested after allegedly stashing homemade firearms for robbery plot: Sheriff
Two Florida middle school students were arrested for allegedly making homemade firearms and explosives while planning a robbery. A FortifyFL tip led to the probe.
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 43% of the sources lean Right
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
