GREEN COVE SPRINGS, Fla. — A 17-year-old Clay High School student was arrested Tuesday night after authorities investigated a reported threat involving a message about a “need to kill,” according to the Clay County Sheriff’s Office.
Officials said a tip was submitted through the FortifyFL reporting that a student had sent a message advising another person not to attend school because he had a “need to kill.”
The tip was received on the evening of May 12, 2026, by both the sheriff’s office and Clay County District Schools.
Authorities said investigators quickly identified the student as a 17-year-old enrolled at Clay High School.
The student was located, interviewed, and arrested before being transported to the Department of Juvenile Justice Duval County Detention Center.
Officials said the student was charged under Florida Statute 836.10(2), involving written or electronic threats to kill, cause bodily harm, conduct a mass shooting, or commit an act of terrorism.
The sheriff’s office said the student will also face disciplinary action under the school district’s student code of conduct.
Out of what officials described as an abundance of caution, the Clay County Sheriff’s Office increased law enforcement presence at Clay High School on Wednesday.
Authorities emphasized that threats involving schools are treated seriously and encouraged the public to report suspicious activity through the FortifyFL app, the SaferWatch app, or by contacting the Clay County Sheriff’s Office by phone at (904)264-6512.