In a controversial move that has divided public opinion, Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood of Florida has garnered national attention for his decision to publicize the images and identities of minors who have made threats about school shootings.

The recent incident involved an 11-year-old boy, identified as Carlo "Kingston" Dorelli, who allegedly wrote threats to carry out a mass shooting at his school. Chitwood made good on his promise to name and shame the young boy, not only by releasing his name but also by sharing a video of Dorelli doing a "perp walk," a customary practice in law enforcement to showcase an arrestee, online.

Highlighting the financial impact of these hoax threats, Sheriff Chitwood stressed in a social media post that the incident cost the county tens of thousands of dollars. "For you parents out there, today's hoax cost around $21,000," Chitwood stated. He further warned that the sheriff's office would continue to publish the faces of juvenile offenders and conduct perp walks to deter such behavior and hold accountable those responsible for disrupting the safety of schools.

The public's response to Chitwood's tactics has been mixed. Some individuals praised law enforcement for taking a strong stance against the young boy's actions, while others expressed concerns that publicly shaming children through mugshots and perp walks could inadvertently encourage more hoax threats.

Alvaro Jimenz, a parent from Chicago, shared his perspective, stating, "I think cases like this should stop appearing in news and social media because you're giving this young kid the spotlight, and I feel like that's what a lot of these kids are seeking for, attention and recognition."

Another commenter, Dana Smith, urged officials to address the underlying issues causing such behavior. Smith wrote, "We cannot simply label a child a criminal and toss them aside. I pray officials find out what's wrong, where the anger is coming from, and how the child is being treated both at school and at home. Parents are responsible, but so is society. We've got to help these kids!"

Amidst the debates surrounding Chitwood's approach, Claudine Fisher voiced her support for the sheriff's actions and suggested that the boy's parents should also be held accountable. Fisher stated, "Justice for all, no one is above it. The same goes for minors. Parents need to be held responsible and accountable. Prison time for sure."

This incident in Florida is not an isolated case, as many states across the country have been dealing with an increase in hoax shooting threats. Springfield, Ohio, and Georgia are among the areas that have recently faced a surge in such threats following tragic events or controversial narratives.

Dr. Ken Trump, an expert in school safety and security services, explained that these spikes in hoax reports are not uncommon after high-profile shootings. He noted, "There's a contagion effect where this spreads across the country," indicating that it is a recurring pattern.

While the sharing of images and information regarding child hoaxers has sparked renewed media attention, it is not a new phenomenon. Back in 2022, a 10-year-old boy named Daniel Marquez in Florida faced similar consequences when he made a school shooting threat. He was perp walked, prosecuted, found delinquent, and ultimately sentenced to probation for his actions.

As the nation grapples with finding the most effective ways to address school shooting threats and the well-being of young individuals involved, these incidents continue to highlight the need for a comprehensive approach that encompasses support, intervention, and accountability.