Harford County High School Student Arrested For Threatening To 'Shoot Up The School'

HARFORD COUNTY, MD — A student has been arrested and charged in connection to a threat of violence made against an unspecified school Wednesday in Harford County.

Harford County sheriff's deputies were made aware of a claim made by a student early on Sept. 25 that was circulating on Snapchat. The threat involved “shooting up the school, this is a threat,” according to the sheriff's office. It didn't specify which school.

"Even though it was 2:20 a.m., we were knocking on doors to investigate the threat, as time is of the essence," the sheriff's office stated. "The investigation took us to the residence of the individual, a public high school student, suspected of making the claim. Once on scene, the evidence became clear that the juvenile had in fact posted the threat. As a result, deputies charged the student with making threats to commit an act of mass violence."

Last week, sheriff's deputies investigated 11 threats of violence made against a school. Each one was investigated to determine its credibility, said Harford County Sheriff Jeffrey Gahler.

However, in accordance with Maryland law, the sheriff's office cannot release to the public or the school the name of the student charged with the crime nor what school they attend.

In 13 hours' time Monday into Tuesday, Gahler said the sheriff's office had investigated three threats of violence against schools. Gahler asked parents and guardians to talk to their students about the "severity of making threats and monitor online activities. Let’s work together to keep our students safe."

Harford County State's Attorney Healey and Maryland Delegate Mike Griffith currently are working on proposed legislation to make threats of mass violence a reportable offense to schools.

"Unfortunately, what may seem like common sense to most people just isn't happening in Annapolis when it comes to the laws that dictate what can and cannot be disclosed when juveniles are involved. Threats of mass violence charges are not currently reportable," Healey stated. "This new legislation would permit law enforcement to disclose charges of this nature to our school systems so they can act swiftly for the protection and safety of our children."