From Fort Myers, FL: An 11-year-old student at Veterans Park Academy for the Arts was arrested Thursday on charges that he or she was trying to set off bombs near the school.
The Lee County Sheriff’s Office says the arrest happened on March 27 after students told school staff about disturbing drawings and conversations that seemed to point to a possible violent plan. The School Threat Enforcement Team (STET) started an investigation right away and found proof of a well-thought-out plan to attack the school campus.
The student is being charged with making written or electronic threats to do a terrorist act and to set off an explosive device. While the probe goes on, the Lee County School District is helping the police.
Sheriff Carmine Marceno praised the kids who spoke out. He said, “I am so proud of the students who spoke out when they found out a friend had planned to do something violent.”
Officials want parents to talk to their kids about how to report threats and strange behaviour. STET is still working with district leaders to make sure that all of the sites are safe for students.
