14-year-old arrested after threatening to shoot up Volusia County school, deputies say

A 14-year-old boy was arrested after he allegedly made a threat toward a Volusia County middle school, according to school officials.

A tip was sent in through Fortify Florida Monday just after 5:45 p.m. that a threat was made at some point toward New Smyrna Beach Middle school, according to deputies.

Deputies said the student threatened to carry out a school shooting if an unknown video of him was released.

Officials later spoke with the student who allegedly made the threat and he admitted he told another student he was bringing a gun to school but said that he was joking. Deputies said he also admitted that he made a threat to shoot up the school during band class.

The student was later taken into custody.

“These threats are not to be taken lightly,” said New Smyrna Beach Middle School President Michael Leader during a voicemail to parents. “We are grateful to the students who heard something and reported it.”

Additional law enforcement officials were placed on campus Tuesday as a precaution.