A New York teenager preparing to carry out a school shooting was stopped in his tracks Friday thanks to rapid intervention by FBI authorities, Director Kash Patel announced.
The 16-year-old was arrested at Benjamin Cardozo High School in Queens while in possession of a loaded firearm, Patel said in a post on X.
He credited the National Threat Operations Center, NYPD, and federal authorities for preventing what could have been a devastating attack.
“Based on a quick response by the NYPD and FBI personnel, a student was arrested with a loaded firearm. The FBI will continue to work tirelessly to protect our children,” Patel stated.
Police acted after the teen reportedly threatened on Instagram to “shoot up” the school.
The post prompted a brief lockdown while authorities searched his backpack and recovered the weapon.
The teen now faces charges including criminal possession of a weapon and making terroristic threats and is being held without bail pending a psychiatric evaluation, per Trending Politics.
New York City Mayor Eric Adams (D) praised the swift coordination between city and federal agencies, calling it “a perfect example of the system working.”
Under Adams, the NYPD has expanded its partnerships with federal authorities to handle everything from counterterrorism to the deportation of illegal aliens. The case demonstrates how coordinated federal and city responses can prevent tragedies.
This incident adds to an alarming trend: more than 20 students in New York have been arrested for firearm possession so far in 2025. Educators are pushing for greater investment in in-school mental health counseling to address growing threats amid tight budgets.
Benjamin Cardozo High School alone enrolls over 1,800 students, underscoring the stakes of preventing attacks in large schools.
The case also highlights stark contrasts in law enforcement responses.
Just days earlier, an 18-year-old in Cape Cod suspected of planning a school shooting was released on bail after being found scouting a high school and possessing a 3-D printer capable of producing a “ghost gun” along with Columbine High School photographs.
Ian Fotheringham posted $2,500 bail and must stay away from the school, wear a GPS monitor, and remain home.
No federal partnership occurred in that case, illustrating the importance of swift, coordinated action.
Patel’s announcement underscores the Trump administration’s emphasis on school safety and proactive federal intervention. By acting on tips and coordinating with local law enforcement, authorities were able to stop an armed teenager before he could carry out an attack.
The case is also a reminder that social media posts are increasingly used to detect threats.
Authorities monitored the teen’s Instagram activity, acting immediately when threats were identified. Quick investigation, federal coordination, and community vigilance combined to prevent what could have been a tragedy for students, faculty, and families.
As the city and federal government continue to work together on safety measures, the case demonstrates how intelligence, communication, and prompt action can save lives. Officials are urging schools, parents, and students to report any concerning behavior to prevent future attacks.
