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Teen accused of church mass shooting threat
The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office says a teen arrested last week was involved in a chatroom for violent extremists and discussed plans to carry out a mass shooting at a church near his home in Wimauma.
WIMAUMA, Fla. - The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office says a teen arrested last week was involved in a chatroom for violent extremists and discussed plans to carry out a mass shooting at a church near his home in Wimauma.
What we know:
The sheriff's office began investigating Jose Pagan Jr., 14, on Jan. 27 after receiving information about suspected child exploitation activity linked to the IP address of Pagan’s residence. During the investigation, detectives searched Pagan's home and computer, recovering 14 graphic images involving the abuse of infants and toddlers, HCSO said.
Dig deeper:
Just days later, HCSO received a tip from the Joint Terrorism Task Forces regarding threats of mass violence. Investigators say Pagan was in an online chatroom associated with violent extremists.
HCSO says Pagan was linked to a nationally recognized neo-Nazi satanic hate group known as the "Temple of Love," which promotes violence as a form of spiritual enlightenment.
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The sheriff's office said some of the evidence included pictures of Pagan dressed in black wearing a white T-shirt bearing the symbol "NLM," for "No Lives Matter."
What they're saying:
"After the 21-day juvenile hold of this juvenile based on the seriousness of these crimes, I am extremely worried about this 14-year-old integrating right back into our community, where our loved ones live," Sheriff Chronister said.
At the residence, deputies recovered one firearm from a nightstand belonging to Pagan’s father. The rest of the weapons in the residence were locked in a safe.
What we don't know:
The sheriff's office said Pagan did not specify what church in Wimauma he was targeting with the threat.
HCSO said two churches near Pagan’s home are being patrolled throughout the day, as a precaution for the threats.
"Don’t let the age of this suspect diminish the seriousness of these crimes he committed," Chronister said. "There’s no such thing as being a helicopter parent. There’s no such thing as over-parenting. Make sure you’re monitoring your child’s online activity — who they’re associating with and who they’re talking to."
Investigators said Pagan appeared unbothered during questioning and told deputies he was "trying to be edgy."
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Pagan was arrested on Jan. 31 and faces the following charges as a juvenile:
Charges
- Written or electronic threat to conduct a mass shooting or act of terrorism
- In-state transmission of child pornography by electronic device
- Solicitation or possession of child pornography: 10 or more images and content of images (x14)
- Unlawful use of a two-way communications device (x2)
What's next:
HCSO believes Pagan may have more graphic photos on his devices, and more charges could be filed as forensic examinations of Pagan’s devices continue.
The state attorney’s office will ultimately determine whether Pagan will be charged as an adult.
What we don't know:
The extent of Pagan’s involvement with the "Temple of Love" extremist group is unknown, HCSO said.
The Source: Information for this story was provided by the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office in a press release and presented during a press conference on Wednesday afternoon.