School hallway - File Photo by Dreamstime

GAITHERSBURG, Md. — A 15-year-old student from Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School has been charged in connection with bomb threats that led to the lockdown of several schools in Montgomery County earlier this year, authorities announced on Monday. The incident occurred on May 16, 2024, when the threats prompted a significant police response, including the deployment of SWAT teams and K-9 units, to ensure the safety of students and staff.

The threats, which also targeted Walt Whitman High School and Bethesda Elementary School the following day, were the result of a scheme involving the Bethesda teen and a 12-year-old boy from Pennsylvania, according to a joint investigation by the Montgomery County Department of Police’s Behavioral Assessment and Administrative Unit and the FBI’s Baltimore Field Office.

The investigation revealed that the 15-year-old solicited the 12-year-old via social media, offering an undisclosed sum of money to make bomb threats against the schools. The threats led to a lockdown and a thorough search of the campuses, which ultimately found no bombs. Students were dismissed early, but the event caused significant disruption and emotional distress within the school community.

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The Bethesda teen faces multiple charges, including threats of mass violence, making a false statement, and extortion. Maryland state law prohibits charging the 12-year-old, despite his involvement in the threats.

During the incident, the 15-year-old allegedly communicated in real-time with the younger boy, providing instructions and updates as the threats were being made. The caller demanded a specific amount of money to prevent the supposed bombs from detonating.

The 15-year-old was charged and subsequently released to his family. The case underscores the serious consequences of such actions, which caused widespread fear and disruption across the community.

“The emotional toll on the students, staff, and their families is immeasurable,” authorities said in a statement. “We are committed to ensuring the safety of our schools and will hold accountable those who threaten that safety.”

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