Overview
- Mesa police took the student into custody at Dobson High on Feb. 19 without disrupting classes or staff.
- The FBI Phoenix Domestic Terrorism Unit had investigated the teen’s online posts since late January and alerted Mesa police on Feb. 18.
- Investigators say the teen discussed plans to shoot people at a mosque and at his school, specifically targeting Hispanic students, and shared images of tactical gear and firearms.
- Search warrants at two Mesa residences uncovered tactical gear, a tomahawk, extremist-related materials, electronic devices, airsoft-style rifles, and a realistic handgun replica.
- The teen was booked into the Durango Juvenile Detention Center on counts of making a terroristic threat and terrorism, and officials report no active threat as the investigation continues and school discipline proceeds under district policy.