Teen threatens to shoot school employee, posts racial slurs online, California cops say

A 17-year-old Fremont boy faces charges of terror threats and a hate crime after threatening online to shoot a school employee, California police say.

Officers arrested the teen Wednesday, May 25, after learning of the online threats, the Fremont Police Department said in a news release.

An investigation began at 9:44 a.m. after the teen threatened to shoot an American High School employee and posted several racial slurs online, police said. He also threatened gun violence at an unnamed high school.

School officials notified police of the social media postings, the release said.

Police contacted the teen and his parents away from the campus and arrested him, officers wrote. A search of his home found no firearms.

An investigation continues, but police believe the 17-year-old was the only person in the online conversation to make direct threats, the release said. School officials are addressing the issue with the other teens involved.

“Considering recent events, I want to ensure the public that school safety is our top priority,” Police Chief Sean Washington said in a statement. “I have directed additional patrol checks towards all school campuses, including resources from specialized units.”

A gunman killed 19 children and two teachers Tuesday, May 24, at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas, McClatchy News reported.

This story was originally published May 26, 2022 at 10:36 AM with the headline "Teen threatens to shoot school employee, posts racial slurs online, California cops say."