A 20-year-old resident of Santa Rosa Beach, a prosperous community along Florida’s scenic 30A corridor, found himself in custody over the weekend. Authorities allege he made threatening comments about a school shooting on TikTok, triggering an expedited investigation by the FBI and local law enforcement.

The Walton County Sheriff’s Office reported that the FBI alerted them on Saturday about a potential online threat concerning a school shooting. An individual using a TikTok account had allegedly livestreamed threatening statements, which were “immediately flagged and removed” due to their violent content, according to officials.

Through collaboration with federal agents, deputies identified the TikTok user as Ethan Charles Ladner, a Santa Rosa Beach resident. Investigators reached out to Ladner, who acknowledged ownership of the account. According to the sheriff’s office, Ladner admitted to making the threatening comments, claiming he aimed to incite reactions online.

Ethan Charles Ladner, 20, was subsequently arrested on charges related to making school shooting threats, following a joint investigation by the FBI. (Walton County Sheriff’s Office)

He faces charges of making electronic threats of a mass shooting, which is a felony offense under Florida law.

Booking records from the Walton County Jail show he was taken into custody Sunday and processed on the single felony count.

In a statement, the sheriff’s office emphasized that threats of school violence, whether intended seriously or as “jokes,” are investigated as credible until proven otherwise.

“Let us be clear. There is no such thing as a ‘joke’ when it comes to threats of violence toward our schools,” the agency said. “These investigations mobilize extensive law-enforcement resources and carry serious legal consequences.”

Florida’s Gulf Coast, including Santa Rosa Beach, with condos, hotels and rental homes. (Trong Nyguen/Getty Images)

Officials said the timing of the threat heightened concern, as students in Walton County public schools returned from Thanksgiving break on Monday.

The sheriff’s office said deputies continue to work closely with local school officials and federal partners “to ensure a safe environment for both students and staff.” Fox News Digital has reached out to the Walton County Sheriff’s Office and the FBI for additional details.

Topsail Hill Preserve State Park is located in Santa Rosa Beach in Walton County at 7525 W. Scenic Highway 30A. (Tina Harbuck/The Destin Log / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)

The agency urged parents to speak with their children about the seriousness of posting threats or violent remarks online, noting that such behavior can lead to criminal charges, school discipline, and “long-term consequences that follow someone for life.”

“Every threat is treated as credible,” the sheriff’s office said. “We take every threat, online or otherwise, seriously and will act swiftly.”

The sheriff’s office added it remains committed to protecting school communities and thanked residents for reporting concerning activity.

“We are grateful for a community that looks out for one another,” they said.