FBI stops armed 16-year-old NYC student who vowed to shoot up school in Instagram post

The intervention came after the FBI’s National Threat Operations Center received a tip about a possible school shooting. FBI Director Kash Patel credited quick action by both the FBI and the New York Police Department (NYPD) for averting what could have been a mass casualty event.

“Based on a quick response by the NYPD and FBI personnel, a student was arrested with a loaded firearm,” Patel posted on X. “The FBI will continue to work tirelessly to protect our children. Huge thanks to the NYPD and [the New York FBI office] for teaming up yet again to protect our country.”

According to officials, the 16-year-old suspect, a 10th grader at the school, allegedly posted on Instagram Thursday morning that he intended to “shoot the school up.” Less than two hours later, police arrested him on campus, where a loaded gun was found inside his backpack.

“This afternoon, we are breathing a sigh of relief because Cardozo High School students and staff are all safe,” New York City Mayor Eric Adams said. “Earlier today, a 16-year-old student was arrested with a gun after posting on social media that he was going to ‘shoot the school up.’”

Adams called the case a clear example of the city’s public safety system working as intended, noting that someone reported the social media threat and authorities acted swiftly. “We potentially saved the lives of a lot of students and staff today, and I don't want to imagine a world where we would be making a different announcement right now,” he said.

This latest incident comes just weeks after Patel revealed that authorities disrupted another potential mass shooting, this time targeting a preschool in North Carolina. In that case, the suspect allegedly threatened online to kill or injure 20 black children.

The FBI has not yet released details on the motive behind the New York student’s alleged plan, but the case highlights the growing importance of community members reporting online threats to law enforcement.

Officials said the teenager remains in custody as investigators continue to review evidence and determine possible charges.