A 15-year-old Dobson High School student is in custody after Mesa police say he posted racially motivated online messages threatening a mass shooting at his school and at a local mosque. The teen was arrested on campus on Thursday, Feb. 19, then booked on terror-related counts. Detectives later seized tactical gear, replica firearms and extremist-related materials from homes tied to the case. Officials have repeatedly stressed there is no active threat to students or staff, and the investigation is still underway.
FBI Tip Triggers Swift Campus Arrest
According to a police statement reported by FOX 10 Phoenix, the FBI’s Phoenix Domestic Terrorism squad had been tracking the teen’s online posts since late January and alerted Mesa police on Feb. 18. Detectives quickly identified the student and worked with Dobson’s school resource officers to plan a quiet, controlled arrest on campus so classes could continue without disruption. That same coordination helped secure search warrants for two homes linked to the suspect.
Gear, Replicas And ‘Extremist’ Materials Seized
ABC15 Arizona reports that investigators say the teen had posted photos of tactical gear and firearms in online chat groups, and that the searches turned up items that appeared to match those images. Among the evidence Mesa police listed: a tomahawk, various electronics, “extremist-related materials,” airsoft-style rifles and a realistic handgun replica. Forensic analysis of the seized devices is still in progress.
Booked On Terror Counts In Juvenile System
Officials say the 15-year-old was taken to the Durango Juvenile Detention Center and faces counts of making a terroristic threat and terrorism, according to FOX 10 Phoenix. Mesa police are not releasing the suspect’s name because he is a minor. Juvenile cases in Maricopa County are handled by the Superior Court’s juvenile department, which focuses on assessment, supervision and rehabilitation, per the Maricopa County Superior Court Juvenile Department. Prosecutors will decide whether to file formal charges once detectives finish combing through the electronics.
Dobson High Tries To Reassure Families
Dobson Principal Gabbi Buckley told families the student was taken into custody without incident and thanked law enforcement for its fast response, according to ABC15 Arizona. Mesa police reiterated that “at this time, there is no threat to Dobson High School or the surrounding community.” Investigators are asking anyone with information related to the case to contact Mesa detectives as the probe continues.
