Right now, we’re living in scary times. Gun violence is everywhere, and we constantly have to be on alert. It’s really scary as moms to drop our kids off at school, hoping and praying they will return to us safely at the end of the day. Threats of violence are equally as frightening, but not holding kids accountable because of their age is even more terrifying.
In Volusia County, Florida, Sheriff Mike Chitwood doesn’t care how old you are. If you’re going to commit a crime, he’s going to show your face and tell the public exactly what you did. It’s bold, but we’d be lying if we said we didn’t like it.
On October 5, 2025, 11-year-old Jesse McIntyre allegedly made a threat against his school in a TikTok comment. When the FBI notified the Volusia Sheriff’s Office, authorities got right to work. Deputies went to the boy’s home to question him about the threat. He reportedly wrote he intended to “shoot up” Campbell Middle School in Daytona Beach. The threat included specific staff members.
When deputies confirmed McIntyre didn’t have access to any weapons, they took him into custody. He was then taken to the Family Resource Center for processing. The sheriff’s office posted a video of McIntye arriving with police, and it received mixed reactions.
“Maybe, instead of making this a trend.. we realize a lot of kids wanna harm their peers and get kids help for it??? Imagine those who dont speak their thoughts,” one person suggested. “Theres a lot out there. Start having mental health classes and anger management exercises not demonizing kids who are troubled.”
Others disagreed. They love what they’re seeing in Volusia County.
“Maybe it needs to become a trend. Children have became ok and comfortable with whatever they say online,” another person argued. “Its time an example is made, that posting such threats to social media is unacceptable and taken seriously too. Some step needs taken to get ahead of the events that take place.”
The same week, deputies arrested 15-year-old Shamari Slater on October 6 after he allegedly made a written threat that he wanted to “hurt someone badly,” paired with two gun emojis. This was his second arrest in just a matter of weeks.
“The point of these videos is to deliver the message that threats on social media can carry real consequences. Parents, it’s up to you to drive it home,” the sheriff shared on Facebook.
The next day, on October 7, deputies arrested Ta’Nerriah Ward, a sixth grader at DeLand Middle School. In a group chat with other students, Ward allegedly threatened to bring a gun to school. She now faces two felony charges. Deputies took her to the Family Resource Center for processing as well.
“If you have a child in Volusia County Schools please take this opportunity to talk to them about consequences and smarter choices,” the sheriff’s office shared in her arrest video post.
That’s three arrests in three days for threatening gun violence. Sadly, it’s not likely to stop anytime soon. Chitwood and his team, however, are prepared to continue making arrests and holding criminals accountable for their actions, regardless of their age. Other leaders need to start taking notes. If you’re not tough on crime, the innocent will lose.
