BUFFALO, N.Y. — A 15-year-old teen is accused of making a school threat on social media.
Another teen, Saeed Saeed, 18, was charged with Criminal Possession of a Cannabis in the First Degree and Failure to Safely Store Firearms in the First Degree.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation's Buffalo Office and Buffalo Police Threat Management Unit were notified of the social media threat on September 11.
The threat was originally discovered by someone using the social media platform Discord on August 27. That person eventually reported the threat to the FBI Atlanta field office on September 7.
According to FBI Buffalo Assistant Special Agent In Charge Mark Grimm, the FBI Atlanta field office sought information about the user who posted the threat on Discord.
"They issue emergency disclosure requests to the social media companies looking for subscriber information," Grimm said. "Once that information is received and they were reviewing it, they discovered that the person that made the post wasn't in Atlanta."
Grimm says the FBI field office in Buffalo received information about the threat around 6:30 Wednesday night.
"[We] immediately recognized its importance and how quickly we needed to act on it."
Commissioner Gramaglia said the departments threat management unit quickly began investigating after the FBI told them about the threat.
Their investigation led them to a home on Sycamore Avenue. Police were able to secure an Extreme Risk Protection Order to search the residence. There, investigators found an Escort Model Bulltac 12-gauge shotgun loaded with five rounds, as well as other ammunition.
Detectives and agents also found a large amount of marijuana during their search, but had to get another search warrant to seize the 14lbs. of marijuana.
The two arrests were made around 7 P.M. on September 11.
The 15-year-old teen is charged with one court of Making a Threat of Mass Harm, which is a misdemeanor. Their case will heard in Erie County Family Court.
Saeed was arraigned in court Thursday morning and eventually released. His next court appearance is on September 30.
Commissioner Gramaglia said the collaboration with the FBI and the tip from someone who saw the threat, potentially saved lives.
"When you see a concerning post, when you hear something concerning instead of sharing it, instead of spreading it around, we need you to call the authorities," Gramaglia said. "A principal, a teacher, somebody, tell your parent, tell anybody."
The Buffalo Police Department is reminding people that if they hear or see a suspicious comment or activity, to call or text their confidential tipline at: 716-847-2255.