15-year-old Mesa student accused of racially motivated terroristic threats

PHOENIX — A 15-year-old student was arrested at a Mesa high school last week after allegedly making terroristic threats, authorities said.

According to the Mesa Police Department, the student allegedly posted racially motivated threats online about carrying out a mass shooting at a mosque and his school, specifically targeting Hispanic students.

The juvenile was taken into custody without incident on Feb. 19 at Dobson High School, which is located near Dobson and Guadalupe roads, and was booked into the Maricopa County Durango Juvenile Center on charges of making a terroristic threat and terrorism.

What led to the Mesa student being arrested?

The FBI’s Domestic Terrorism Unit had been investigating the teen since late January after he allegedly made multiple online statements indicating he was in the Phoenix area, police said. The FBI notified Mesa police on the evening of Feb. 18 after identifying the suspect as a Dobson High School student.

In addition to the threats against a mosque and his school, the student also allegedly posted photographs of tactical gear and firearms online.

Mesa police detectives obtained search warrants for two residences associated with the suspect.

Searches of both residences turned up items consistent with those shown in the online posts, including tactical gear, a tomahawk and extremist-related materials, according to police. Detectives also seized electronic devices, airsoft-style rifles and a realistic handgun replica.

Police said there is no ongoing threat to Dobson High School or the surrounding community.

The case remains under investigation.

Related

12-year-old Buckeye girl arrested for 'terroristic threats' directed at Wisconsin schoolKimberly Yee leading Tom Horne in bitter GOP primary for Arizona schools chiefWarren Petersen claims victory in GOP primary for Arizona attorney generalAlex Kolodin tops former state party chair in secretary of state primary raceJay Feely projected winner in CD-1; Dem race still too close to callMark Lamb wins AZ-5 Republican primary, will face newcomer Elizabeth Lee