13-Year-Old Girl Arrested for Middle School Shooting Threat in Palm Coast

A 13-year-old girl, Deondra Gaskins, was arrested after making a disturbing threat against Buddy Taylor Middle School in Palm Coast, Florida. According to the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office (FCSO), Gaskins posted a menacing message on social media stating, “12:05 be ready to die if you go to BTMS,” accompanied by knife and gun emojis. Though she later told authorities that the threat was not serious, it sparked concerns about school safety in the area.

The threat is part of a larger issue of school threats that have been occurring in Flagler and Volusia counties since late in the 2023-24 school year. Gaskins admitted that she had been joking about school shootings during a phone conversation with a friend before posting the message. Her mother, who discovered the post, made her delete it and took her to school to confess to the authorities.

Gaskins was arrested on the charge of making a written or electronic threat of a mass shooting or terrorism act. She was then placed into the custody of the Department of Juvenile Justice. While the situation was quickly contained, law enforcement stressed the importance of taking all threats seriously, especially when directed at schools. For more on this and similar incidents, click here.

Flagler Schools Superintendent LaShakia Moore emphasized that threats to school safety are never a joke, and students must understand the gravity of such actions. The district works closely with the FCSO to respond swiftly to any potential danger, ensuring the safety of students and staff.

Flagler County Sheriff Rick Staly praised Gaskins’ mother for taking action and reporting the threat, despite how difficult the decision must have been. He urged other parents to take similar steps in ensuring their children understand the consequences of their actions. Staly reiterated that while it is never easy to arrest a young teen, protecting the student body remains the highest priority.

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This case serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges schools face in addressing threats and ensuring safety.