A 12‑year‑old girl from Palm Beach County, Florida, was taken into custody after she posted a 13‑point plan outlining a hypothetical school shooting on a public forum, authorities said.
Background
The post, which appeared on a social‑media platform on Feb. 19, detailed steps such as acquiring a weapon, scouting a school layout, and coordinating a timeline. The content was flagged by users and forwarded to the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office, which alerted the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) and the FBI's Jacksonville field office. Investigators quickly traced the account to the minor, who lived with her mother in West Palm Beach.
Investigators noted that the girl had no known prior criminal record, but a search of her home revealed a .22 caliber rifle and several magazines, which she allegedly accessed through a relative’s gun safe. The FDLE confirmed that the firearm was not registered to the minor or her parents, raising questions about how it entered the household. The case was immediately escalated to the State Attorney’s Office for potential juvenile prosecution.
The Charges
The State Attorney’s Office filed juvenile charges alleging that the girl made a false threat of violence and unlawfully possessed a firearm. Under Florida Statute 784.048, making a false threat of violence is a third‑degree felony, while unlawful possession of a firearm by a minor carries a second‑degree felony charge. Because the suspect is under 14, the case will be handled in the juvenile court system, where the focus is on rehabilitation rather than incarceration. The indictment also lists a count of “possessing a weapon for use in a crime of violence,” which the prosecution says is supported by the detailed plan she posted.
Key Takeaways
- A 12‑year‑old posted a 13‑point school‑shooting plan that prompted an investigation by local, state, and federal law‑enforcement agencies.
- The girl allegedly possessed a .22 caliber rifle and ammunition, which were found in her family home.
- She has been charged with making a false threat of violence and unlawful possession of a firearm as a juvenile.
- The case will proceed in the Palm Beach County Juvenile Court, with a hearing scheduled for March 15.
What's Next
A pre‑arraignment hearing is set for March 15 in the Palm Beach County Juvenile Court, where a judge will determine whether the girl will be placed in a juvenile detention facility, placed on probation, or ordered to undergo counseling and community service. The State Attorney’s Office has indicated that it will seek a treatment‑oriented disposition, citing the suspect’s age and lack of prior offenses. The FDLE and FBI continue to examine how the firearm entered the household and whether any additional individuals may be implicated.