Fed up with a surge of false school shooting threats, a Florida sheriff is adopting a new strategy to deter students and hold parents accountable: publicly sharing mugshots of any offenders.
Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood, located on Florida’s Atlantic Coast, has expressed frustration over the recent wave of school shooting hoaxes that have disrupted schools and drained law enforcement resources. Following the deadly attack at Apalachee High School in Georgia, which killed two students and two teachers, authorities across the country have seen an increase in similar hoaxes, told The Mirror.
On Monday, Chitwood took to social media to warn parents that if their children are arrested for making false threats, he will make sure the public knows. “Since parents, you don’t want to raise your kids, I’m going to start raising them,” Chitwood declared. “Every time we make an arrest, your kid’s photo is going to be put out there. And if I can do it, I’m going to perp walk your kid so that everybody can see what your kid’s up to.”
Chitwood’s statement followed the arrest of an 11-year-old boy in Volusia County for allegedly threatening a school shooting at Creekside or Silver Sands Middle School. The sheriff posted the boy’s full name and mugshot on Facebook, along with a video of the arrest. The video, which has garnered over 270,000 views, shows law enforcement officers leading the boy, handcuffed and visibly distressed, into a secure facility.
In the video, officers display airsoft guns, pistols, knives, and swords that the boy allegedly showed off to other students. “Right this way, young man,” an officer says as the boy, dressed in casual clothing, is led into an empty cell and locked inside.
The video sparked strong reactions on social media. Many residents applauded Chitwood’s tough approach, with some even calling for the public identification of the boy’s parents or for charges to be pressed against them. Others, however, criticized the decision to publicly shame an 11-year-old, arguing that the responsibility should lie with the parents.
Under Florida law, juvenile court records are typically exempt from public release unless the child is charged with a felony, as is the case here.
Authorities across Florida have been dealing with an uptick in school shooting threats since the start of the 2024-2025 school year. In Broward County, home to Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, officials reported the arrests of nine students, ages 11 to 15, for making threats since August.
Broward Sheriff Gregory Tony reinforced the seriousness of these incidents, stating, “Nothing about this is a laughing or joking matter. Parents, students, it’s not a game.”