A 14-year-old middle school student in Florida has been arrested and charged as an adult with multiple firearms and explosives offenses.
According to authorities, Julian Davis was taken into custody on April 30 after a tip was received by St. Johns County sheriff's deputies that he and his 13-year-old friend had been discussing "holding someone at gunpoint" to rob them through messaging on the Telegram platform.
An investigation began on April 27, when deputies received the tip, and searches of Davis' home were conducted between April 27 and 30. During these searches, authorities found three homemade firearms, ammunition, suspected explosive components, and makeshift handcuffs.
Additionally, investigators discovered handwritten notes depicting the construction of weapons, an apparent drawing of a Molotov cocktail, and a tactical vest with "White supremacy drawings." A copy of the manifesto of Brenton Tarrant, a White supremacist who carried out shooting sprees at two mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand in 2019, was also found.
Davis is being held on a $240,000 bond at the St. Johns County Jail and has pleaded not guilty to the charges against him. His friend, who was involved in the alleged planning of the robbery, spent 21 days in juvenile detention before being released.
The investigation was led by the St. Johns County sheriff's office in conjunction with federal authorities, who expressed concern that charging Davis as an adult could have prevented a potential "tragedy" at the middle school and beyond.
Davis' attorney has not commented on the charges against his client.
NTC Report coverage is based on reporting from the original publisher.
View original reporting →
