Just hours after the deadly mass shooting at Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis, police in Washington, D.C. arrested a juvenile who allegedly threatened violence against a school.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt announced the arrest during Thursday’s press briefing, calling it a tragedy averted.
White House Response
Leavitt said the suspect was taken into custody Wednesday night in D.C.’s Ward 7. The juvenile faces charges including threats to kidnap and injure, receiving stolen property, and unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition.
A search warrant executed at the location led to the recovery of seven firearms. Authorities said the investigation began after alarming social media posts allegedly threatened school violence.
“This tragedy … is heartbreaking,” Leavitt said, referring to the Minneapolis attack.
“As a parent myself, there are no words to describe the heartbreak that these families must be enduring, which is why the president and the first lady have encouraged everyone to continue to pray for these families and these victims.”
She added that the D.C. arrest showed law enforcement acted quickly to remove “a juvenile who was a risk to not just himself but the community.”
🚨 BREAKING: The Trump admin THWARTED a potential school shooting in DC, arresting a juvenile who made posts on social media threatening vioIence towards the school
Thank God!
The juvenile was charged with threats to kidnap and injure, receiving stolen property, unlawful… pic.twitter.com/VIcGMEX69y
— Nick Sortor (@nicksortor) August 28, 2025
ATF and Metro Transit Police Involvement
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) confirmed that its Washington field division and Metro Transit Police conducted the operation.
“Special Agents … quickly intervened and interrupted what could’ve possibly led to a school shooting incident in D.C.,” ATF officials said in a statement on X.
Special Agents from @ATFWashington and @MetroTransitPD quickly intervened and interrupted what could’ve possibly led to a school shooting incident in #DC #HIDTA. #MakeDcSafeAgain #ATF pic.twitter.com/9ff3d0zSHx
— ATF Washington (@ATFWashington) August 28, 2025
