Teen says threat to shoot up schools was a “joke”

MONTICELLO – Police arrested a 14-year-old Monticello school district student f a threatening post on Instagram.
The boy used the profile name of “blaxckhood” stating he was going to shoot up the Monticello schools on Friday, September 21.
As a precaution, the school district cancelled all classes and after-school events.
Monticello Police and Sullivan County Sheriff’s Office worked throughout the night Thursday into Friday with the State Police, FBI and Sullivan County District Attorney’s Office and on Friday afternoon, arrested the youth, charging him with a felony of making a terroristic threat.
The boy told authorities the post was meant to be a joke and wasn’t meant to hurt anyone.
The family of the youth has been cooperative during the investigation. It has been confirmed that the child did not have access to firearms.
The investigation indicated the boy acted alone.
The boy was released at the direction of family court to a relative.
“The swift arrest of this individual should send the message that there will be a quick and coordinated response to any threat and those responsible will be held accountable,” said Sheriff Michael Schiff.
“The Sullivan County law enforcement community has demonstrated once again, that we will work tirelessly to remove any threats to our way of life,” said Monticello Police Chief Robert Mir.