Queens Student Arrested After Threatening School Shooting on Social Media

Why this matters: This incident highlights the critical role social media companies play in identifying and reporting potential threats. It also underscores the importance of community vigilance and the effectiveness of coordinated responses from law enforcement and school officials.

On Thursday, September 18, 2025, authorities were alerted to a threatening social media post made by a 16-year-old student at Benjamin Cardozo High School. The student allegedly posted an image of a mannequin sketch with the caption "boutta shoot the school up." Instagram moderators flagged the post, and the FBI traced the phone number associated with the account.

NYPD officers and school safety agents responded to the school, located the student, and, with parental consent, searched his belongings. They discovered a loaded 9mm semi-automatic handgun with 13 rounds in the magazine, along with three phones. The student was taken into custody without incident and faces charges related to the threat and possession of a weapon.

Mayor Eric Adams emphasized the importance of the "see something, say something, do something" approach, praising the collaborative effort that prevented a potential tragedy. This incident serves as a reminder of the ever-present need for vigilance and the potential consequences of online threats.

Benjamin Cardozo High School in Bayside, Queens.

Instagram moderators flagged the threatening post, which led to the FBI tracing the account.

A loaded 9mm semi-automatic handgun with 13 rounds in the magazine.

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