Authorities have reported receiving alerts through the Fortify FL app following a concerning conversation at Clay High School, where a student advised a peer against attending school the next day.
In Green Cove Springs, Florida, law enforcement officials have taken a Clay High School student into custody after he allegedly issued threats against other students, as confirmed by the Clay County Sheriff’s Office on Wednesday.
The situation came to light on Tuesday when a tip through the FortifyFL app highlighted “disturbing” communications.
The sheriff’s office revealed that a 17-year-old student had sent a message to a classmate, suggesting they avoid school due to his expressed “need to kill.”
This story continues below.
Authorities located and interviewed the student before arresting him on charges of making a written or electronic threat to kill.
“The Clay County Sheriff’s Office takes all threats involving our schools seriously and will continue working closely with Clay County District Schools to ensure the safety of our students, faculty, and staff,” the agency said in a statement.
Out of an abundance of caution, Clay High saw an increased police presence throughout the day on Wednesday.
“Clay County District Schools maintains a zero-tolerance policy regarding threats and students who make them will be disciplined according to the student code of conduct,” Principal Jen Halter told students. “I want to extend a sincere thank you to the community member who brought this to our attention. By ‘seeing something and saying something,’ you allowed us to respond immediately.”
Clay County School District issued the following statement to First Coast News:
“Clay County District Schools is aware of the recent arrest made by the Clay County Sheriff’s Office involving a student from Clay High School. The safety and security of our students and staff remain our absolute highest priority.
“The district and school administration worked in close coordination with the Sheriff’s Office throughout the investigation. We want to reassure our families that the individual in question is not on campus. Any student who makes a threat of violence, whether verbal, written, or on social media, will face significant disciplinary consequences in accordance with the Code of Student Conduct, in addition to any legal charges pursued by law enforcement.
“We encourage our OneClay community to remain vigilant—if you see something, say something. We are grateful for the swift action of the Clay County Sheriff’s Office, our school administration, and our Safety and Security Department in resolving this matter.
Due to federal student privacy laws (FERPA), the district cannot provide further specifics regarding the student involved or their disciplinary status.”