A 12-year-old Fort Walton Beach girl has been arrested and faces felony charges after the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office investigated a threatening TikTok post that targeted Pryor Middle School and Bruner Middle School, the agency announced Monday.
- The OCSO said it received multiple tips through Fortify Florida on Sunday regarding a TikTok account that posted a threat stating, “Shooting Pryor and Bruner Tuesday..don’t go to school or go Pryor is located in Fort Walton don’t tell no principals, or I’m going to find out where you live.”
The account also posted photos of what appeared to be an assault rifle and two pistols, along with a hunting rifle, accompanied by statements indicating the firearms were real, according to the OCSO.
Investigators immediately began working to identify the person behind the account and were able to trace the IP address to a residence in the Fort Walton Beach area, the agency said. Additional investigative work, including information obtained through the Okaloosa County School District, identified a Pryor Middle School student residing at the address.
Evidence was found on the student’s phone, the OCSO said. She is charged with two counts of making a written or electronic threat to commit a mass shooting and one count of using a communication device to facilitate a felony.
“We take every threat of violence seriously,” Sheriff Eric Aden said. “Thanks to all who reported the posts to law enforcement. Information provided by the public can be critical in helping us quickly identify those responsible for threats and other criminal activity.”
The OCSO also said Monday afternoon that it is aware of additional posts that have circulated on social media that are causing concerns. The agency said those posts are being reviewed and investigated.
“If our investigation identifies a credible threat or information requiring additional announcements, we will communicate that information through our official channels,” the OCSO said. “The safety of our students and school communities remains our highest priority.”
One Response
I hope in addition to this these kids get mental health help. It’s unusual behavior to make these threats and aside from the criminal act, these kids may need more help to get well and be able to function as healthy adults someday in our community.