Last night, we arrested a 14-year-old boy who posted a threat on Instagram to commit a mass shooting at a Publix in Boynton Beach. We were notified of the threat by a Publix representative, and immediately began an investigation. The teen responsible for the social media post was identified, arrested and charged with written threats to kill, do bodily injury or conduct a mass shooting or an act of terrorism.
The teen told detectives that it was a joke. Threatening to commit a mass shooting, whether it be on social media or through any form of communication, is not a joke. The Boynton Beach Police Department will vigorously investigate any claim of harm against our community, and arrest any individual responsible. We urge parents to have conversations with their children about the severity of this.
As always, if you see something, say something. Together, we will keep our community safe.