A 15-year-old from Fond du Lac is in custody after police investigated online statements that referenced a possible mass shooting, the Fond du Lac Police Department said on Thursday, Nov. 5.
Police said they first received information on Oct. 26 from state and federal partners. The tip began with a person outside the United States who was concerned about online interactions with the teen, and it reached Fond du Lac through the FBI's National Threat Operations Center and the Wisconsin Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigation. Police did not name a school, event, location or person as a target, and no attack or injuries were reported.
On Oct. 27, detectives served a search warrant at the teen's home and seized multiple firearms, a computer and a cell phone. Investigators said they are examining the devices and the reported online activity to establish the full context of the statements.
Detectives interviewed the teen again on Nov. 3. After that interview, Fond du Lac County Human Services Youth Justice social workers evaluated the teen, who was then placed at the Fond du Lac County Secure Detention Facility.
Police said they have referred one count of terrorist threats and one count of disorderly conduct to Youth Justice for consideration. The counts are referrals involving a juvenile, not convictions, and police said no additional identifying information will be released. The investigation remains active.
