A 15-year-old Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School student has been charged in connection with bomb threats made against the school on Thursday, May 16, 2024.

The threats led to the closure of the school and the deployment of SWAT teams, police dogs and other forces to ensure the safety of students and staff.

According to police, “after a joint investigation by the Montgomery County Department of Police’s Behavioral Assessment and Management Division and the FBI’s Baltimore Field Office, a 12-year-old boy from Pennsylvania was identified as the caller.

The two are also responsible for the bomb threats against Walt Whitman High School and Bethesda Elementary School on Friday, May 17.

The 15-year-old is accused of asking for help on social media to report a bomb threat at his school. The Bethesda teen has been charged with several counts, including threatening mass violence, making a false statement, extortion and other offenses related to the incident.

During the incident, the 15-year-old reportedly communicated with the 12-year-old in real time, giving him information, updates and instructions while making the threats. The caller demanded payment of a certain dollar amount to prevent bombs from detonating at the school.

Maryland state law prohibits charges from being brought against the 12-year-old, but the actions of both individuals caused disruption to school life, forced a curfew, and took an emotional toll on students, staff, and the community. After a search of the campus, it was determined that no bombs were present, and students were dismissed from classes for the day.

The 15-year-old was charged accordingly and handed over to his family.” Photo courtesy of MCPS