Queens, September 25, 2025
News Summary
A 16-year-old student at Benjamin N. Cardozo High School in Queens was arrested for making threatening social media posts about a school shooting. The student, who brought a loaded 9mm handgun to school, was swiftly apprehended after an alert individual contacted the FBI. This incident has triggered discussions on school safety measures, gun accessibility for youth, and reforming security protocols in educational institutions. Following the event, heightened security protocols, including metal detector screenings, were implemented at the school.
Queens
A 16-year-old student at Benjamin N. Cardozo High School in Queens was arrested on September 18, 2025, for making alarming threats about a school shooting. The student brought a loaded 9mm handgun to school and posted a threatening message on Instagram, stating his intention to “shoot the school up.” The serious nature of the threat led to immediate action from law enforcement.
The Instagram post captured the attention of an observant individual who reported it to the FBI. In response, the FBI alerted the New York Police Department (NYPD). NYPD officers swiftly located the student within the school premises, removing him from class without incident. Upon investigation, they found the loaded firearm with 13 rounds hidden in the student’s backpack. Additionally, he was in possession of three cell phones.
Authorities confirmed that the Instagram threat was authentic by tracing it back to the student’s account and linked phone number, leading to his arrest. The student had no prior criminal history and was taken into custody. Following the arrest, Mayor Eric Adams and Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch commended the effective collaboration between federal and local law enforcement agencies, which likely prevented a potential tragedy.
This incident has sparked broader discussions regarding societal issues such as gun accessibility for youth and the need for vigilance against similar threats. Parents and educators have raised concerns about school safety measures and the monitoring of social media to prevent such occurrences in the future. In reaction to the incident, security was heightened at Cardozo High School, with students being subjected to metal detector screening.
The arrested student, categorized as a minor, has been arraigned in Queens Criminal Court for charges of criminal possession of a weapon and making terrorist threats. If he is granted youthful status during the court proceedings, he could face up to four years in prison.
The City Department of Education confirmed that the metal detectors and scanners are based on protocols set by the NYPD’s School Safety Division, which have not been updated since 2016. NYPD Commissioner Tisch assured that scanning and an increased officer presence will continue on campus. Following the incident, significant discussions emerged over the adequacy of current security measures in schools, with a growing demand for reform.
Students expressed feelings of fear and discomfort regarding their safety and questioned the school’s preparedness to handle such threats. This incident serves as a critical reminder of the importance of collaboration between community members, law enforcement, and educational institutions to ensure student safety in schools.
FAQ
What happened at Benjamin N. Cardozo High School?
A 16-year-old student was arrested on September 18, 2025, for making threats of a school shooting after posting on Instagram about his intention to “shoot the school up” and bringing a loaded 9mm handgun to school.
How did authorities respond to the threat?
The threat was reported to the FBI, which then alerted the NYPD. Officers were able to locate the student in school, remove him without incident, and find the loaded gun and three cell phones.
What charges is the student facing?
The student was arraigned in Queens Criminal Court on charges of criminal possession of a weapon and making terrorist threats. He could face up to four years in prison if granted youthful status during proceedings.
How has the school responded following the incident?
Increased security measures have been implemented at Cardozo High School, including metal detector screening for students. Discussions are ongoing regarding the adequacy of current safety protocols.
Key Features of the Incident
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Student Age | 16 years old |
| Incident Date | September 18, 2025 |
| Weapon | Loaded 9mm handgun with 13 rounds |
| Instagram Threat | Posted intention to “shoot the school up” |
| Charges Faced | Criminal possession of a weapon, making terrorist threats |
| Possessions | Three cell phones |
| Potential Sentence | Up to four years in prison if granted youthful status |
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Additional Resources
- ABC7 New York: Queens teen shot
- CBS News: Queens high school shooting threat
- NBC New York: Cardozo High School gun incident
- New York Post: 16-year-old caught with gun
- CBS News: Queens student arrested for school threat
- Wikipedia: School safety
- Google Search: Queens High School shooting threat
- Google Scholar: School shooting prevention
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Gun control in schools
- Google News: Queens Cardozo High School incidents
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