The line between online talk and real-world trouble can be thin, especially for young people. That truth hit home recently for a 15-year-old in Florida. He landed in custody after putting up a worrying message on Instagram.
Shamari Slater was taken in by the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office on October 7, 2025. The post reportedly said, “I want to seriously hurt someone.” It also included two gun emojis, leaving little doubt about the implied danger.
Authorities had tried to reach Slater at Spruce Creek High School, but he was not there. Police then went to his home. They arrested him without any problems. Law enforcement officials were quick to point out that making threats on social media is a very serious offense. Such actions can lead to real legal problems.
This arrest wasn’t just about a concerning social media post. Authorities found that Slater had already broken the rules of his house arrest. Just two weeks before, he had faced charges for getting in the way of Port Orange police officers. They were investigating a bomb threat on a school bus at the time.
The sheriff’s office made it clear: online threats carry serious weight. They urged parents to speak with their children. The message was simple: actions taken on social media can have real, lasting legal and personal impacts. What might seem like a digital joke can quickly turn into a trip to court.
Source: Facebook / Volusia Sheriff’s Office