A Florida sheriff has condemned parents and students after his agency spent nearly $21,000 investigating dozens of hoax school threats posted on social media in less than a day. Sheriff Mike Chitwood warned that parents of children making bogus threats will face consequences, including public shaming and potential arrest.
A Florida sheriff has expressed outrage over the surge in hoax school threats, costing taxpayers thousands of dollars and diverting law enforcement resources from legitimate emergencies.
Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood announced on Friday that his agency had spent nearly $21,000 investigating 54 threats reported to the Fortify Florida app within a 24-hour period. All of the threats turned out to be false, leading Chitwood to lash out at parents and students responsible for the hoax.
False School Threats Cost Florida County $21,000, Sheriff Blames Parents and Students
"This is absolutely out of control," Chitwood said at a news conference. "That means investigators in the school district have been running around the clock to investigate these tips, which are all turning out to be false."
Chitwood emphasized that the investigation costs were significant, depleting resources that could be used for other essential services. "So far, it's cost $21,000 to do these investigations," he said.
False School Threats Cost Florida County $21,000, Sheriff Blames Parents and Students
The sheriff's office has arrested two students, a 13-year-old and a 14-year-old, for allegedly posting threats on TikTok and Instagram about committing a school shooting. A third suspect is under investigation.
Chitwood warned that law enforcement would take a tough stance against parents of children involved in making bogus threats. "Parents, you don't want to raise your kids, I'm going to start raising them," he said.
False School Threats Cost Florida County $21,000, Sheriff Blames Parents and Students
"Every time we make an arrest, your kid's photo is going to be put out there. And if I could do it, I'm going to perp walk your kid so that everybody can see what your kid's up to."
Chitwood urged parents to take responsibility for their children's actions and prevent them from engaging in dangerous behavior. "Go talk to the families who have lost a loved one in a school shooting," he said. "These little knuckleheads think it's funny. Go talk to those parents and see how funny this is. It's not."
The sheriff's remarks come less than two weeks after a school shooting in Atlanta that claimed the lives of two students and two teachers. Authorities are still investigating the motive behind that attack, but Chitwood emphasized the need for vigilance and swift action to prevent future incidents.
"We're not going to tolerate this," he said. "We're going to come after these kids, and we're going to come after their parents."
Chitwood's message has been met with support from community leaders, who share his concerns about the potential consequences of escalating threats and the waste of law enforcement resources.
"Sheriff Chitwood is right to hold parents and students accountable for their actions," said Volusia County School Board Chairwoman Eileen Dantico. "These threats are not just pranks; they are serious crimes that can have devastating consequences."
School administrators, teachers, and students have also expressed their frustration and fear over the threats. "It's been a very stressful time," said principal of Heritage Middle School, where the two arrested students attended. "We take every threat seriously, and it's disheartening to see students engaging in such reckless behavior."
As the investigation into the hoax threats continues, Chitwood urged the community to report any suspicious activity or potential threats. "If you see something, say something," he said. "We need everyone's help to keep our schools and communities safe."
