September 9, 2024

Broward State Attorney Harold F. Pryor’s statement regarding school violence threats in our community:

“We take all incidents involving threats of potential violence at schools very seriously because they create a lot of disruption and fear for kids, parents and staff. Our community knows too well that these incidents can be very, very serious and it is important for us to hold any individual accountable for their conduct.”

“Prosecutors use great discretion in handling these types of cases and work very hard to determine the appropriate response, depending on the seriousness of the threat and the needs of the individual juvenile. A panel of senior prosecutors reviews the evidence and circumstances of each case to try to ensure that our office makes consistent and appropriate decisions on whether to file charges or refer the juveniles to programs and services that can help them. This can include programs that monitor them, provide psychological evaluations and care, as well as other services. In each case, prosecutors review the behavioral history and needs of each individual to ensure they are held accountable.”

Speaking in general and not about specific juveniles, prosecutors continue to review all of the evidence and information as it becomes available before and after an arrest is made. Cases are handled on an individual basis, depending on all of the evidence and information that is available, and that process is continuously reviewed to try to ensure that justice is done and individuals are held accountable.

Click here for a video from two Broward judges that explains the potential consequences, which include arrest, suspension or expulsion, referral and diversion to programs and services, probation, or detention for up to 21 days in a juvenile facility in the most serious cases.

Please call 911 to report any school violence threat.