A Port Orange teenager is facing serious legal consequences after allegedly posting violent threats on social media, prompting swift action from law enforcement and renewed calls for parental vigilance in monitoring online behavior.
Shamari Slater, 15, a student enrolled at Spruce Creek High School, was arrested Tuesday for making a written threat to kill or do bodily harm—a felony under Florida law. The arrest followed an alarming Instagram post in which Slater wrote that he wanted to "hurt someone badly," punctuated by two gun emojis. Though he was not physically present at school that day, investigators tracked him to his residence, where he was interviewed and subsequently taken into custody.
The incident marks Slater’s second run-in with the law in less than a month. Just two weeks prior, he was arrested for resisting an officer with violence after allegedly interfering with Port Orange police officers who were responding to a bomb threat reported on a school bus. That earlier arrest had placed Slater under home detention, a condition he violated with the recent social media post.
Authorities say the case underscores the growing concern over threats made online—especially those involving schools—and the need for both students and parents to understand the gravity of such actions.
“Social media is not a shield from accountability,” said a spokesperson for the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office. “When someone posts a threat, whether they mean it or not, it triggers real-world consequences. We treat every threat seriously, and we will act swiftly to protect our schools and communities.”
Law enforcement officials also noted that the use of emojis—often dismissed as harmless digital shorthand—can contribute to the perceived intent of a threat, especially when paired with violent language.
Spruce Creek High School administrators confirmed that Slater was not on campus at the time of the incident and that the school remained secure throughout the day. However, the arrest has reignited conversations among parents and educators about the role of social media in youth behavior and the importance of proactive guidance at home.
“These videos and arrests are meant to send a clear message,” the sheriff’s spokesperson added. “Threats on social media are not jokes. They’re crimes. Parents, it’s up to you to drive that message home.”
Slater is currently being held pending further legal proceedings. The investigation remains active, and officials have not ruled out additional charges.
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