SILVER SPRING, MD — Authorities have identified a 12-year-old as the person responsible for multiple bomb threats against Montgomery Blair High School and Oak View Elementary School this month.
Detectives from the 3rd District Investigative Section and Montgomery County Public Schools IT staff worked together to identify the individual behind seven separate threats sent via email. The individual admitted to the offenses upon questioning. Due to Maryland state law, children under 13 can only be charged for offenses classified as “crimes of violence,” limiting the legal consequences faced by the minor.
The string of threats commenced on October 13, affecting Montgomery Blair High School on five different occasions and Oak View Elementary School once. Silver Spring International School also received a separate threat. The threats posed a direct risk to student safety and caused significant disruptions to educational activities.
Chief Marcus Jones of the Montgomery County Police Department expressed concern that the individual was cognizant of the legal limitations tied to their age. The individual was aware they could evade charges under the current legal framework.
The threats required substantial allocation of police resources, including the deployment of officers and K-9 units, resulting in a financial and operational burden on the department. Officers diverted from other pressing tasks jeopardized community safety, an outcome Chief Jones described as unacceptable.
Despite the legal and operational challenges, Chief Jones commended the work of 3rd District detectives and school staff for their prompt identification of the individual responsible.