Florida 11-Year-Old Student Arrested for Alleged School Shooting Threats
An 11-year-old boy in Florida has been taken into custody by law enforcement officials after he was accused of making violent threats against his teachers and fellow students at school. The juvenile suspect, identified as Anthony Steward, was apprehended by deputies from the Volusia Sheriff's Office following a disturbing incident involving hijacked online communications.
Details of the Threatening Messages and Arrest
According to official reports from the sheriff's office, Steward, who attends DeLand Middle School, allegedly compromised a classmate's Gradebook Communications account. Through this unauthorized access, he sent a menacing message stating "imma shoot you" to seven different teachers at the educational institution. The threats prompted an immediate response from authorities, leading to his arrest.
A video shared on social media platforms on Thursday, March 5, captured the chilling moment as Steward was escorted from a patrol vehicle into the sheriff's office. The young boy appeared expressionless during the process. As officers secured handcuffs around his wrists, Steward complained about them feeling "real tight," to which a deputy responded by explaining that such restraints could have been avoided if he had refrained from making the alleged threats initially.
History of Similar Offenses and Recent Context
This arrest represents the second time Steward has been taken into custody by the Volusia Sheriff's Office for making violent threats. Records indicate he was previously arrested in October 2025 for issuing identical threats, also through a hijacked Gradebook Communications account belonging to a classmate. Those earlier threats were directed at community members associated with Southwestern Middle School.
The incident involving Steward occurred merely one day after another juvenile threat case in the same Florida county. A 10-year-old boy named Micah Swinnie, from Pride Elementary School, was reported to have made threats about bringing a firearm to school and compiling a list of individuals he intended to harm. This pattern highlights growing concerns regarding juvenile violence and school safety in the region.
Law Enforcement Response and Community Impact
The Volusia Sheriff's Office has emphasized the seriousness with which they treat all threats of violence, regardless of the age of the individual making them. The arrest and public sharing of the video footage aim to underscore the legal consequences for such behavior, even among minors. School administrators and local officials are likely reviewing security protocols and communication systems to prevent similar incidents in the future.
This case raises important questions about juvenile accountability, mental health interventions for young students, and the security of educational technology platforms. Parents and community members are urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities or threats to authorities promptly to ensure the safety of all students and staff in schools across Florida.
