Authorities to prosecute suspects in violent school threats

 Five local campuses were put on high alert and Guam police confirmed a 16-year-old boy is in custody at the Department of Youth Affairs. 

The teen was allegedly behind the threat of gun violence that targeted John F. Kennedy High School. 

Authorities are looking for others who may be behind the threats. 

Tonight, the Guam Department of Education Superintendent and the Chief of Police issued a stern warning to the community.

With stricter bag policies being enforced, Swanson stated, “ This is not a game.”

Guam police officers are also stationed at multiple public school campuses.

“All threats of violence made toward the community will be taken seriously and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law,” said Chief of Police Stephen Ignacio. 

Authorities on Monday morning sent a clear message: threats of violence against schools are being taken seriously.

A direct warning from GDOE Superintendent Dr. Kenneth Swanson and Police Chief Ignacio following recent threats targeting John F. Kennedy High, Okkodo High, F.B. Leon Guerrero Middle, Notre Dame High, and Benavente Middle Schools. 

“A bullet was also found and confiscated from a student at Benavente Middle School,” said Ignacio. 

Local officials also got the FBI involved in the investigation. 

The warning, however, comes too late for a 16-year-old boy arrested in connection to last Thursday's social media threat toward JFK High.

The student allegedly posted a photo of a gun with the message he would shoot up the Upper Tumon campus.

The teen is charged with terroristic conduct and terrorizing. He is also charged with assaulting a police officer at the time of his arrest. 

The threats have become a rude awakening that authorities hope the public can help them to stop. 

“This is a see something, say something situation–and takes everybody paying attention,” said Swanson.