By Ciara Perez, Senior Multimedia Correspondent
iSkyNews.com (ISN) – Published February 27, 2026
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Teen Accused of Plotting Mass Casualty Attack at Mesa School and Mosque
MESA, Ariz. — A 15-year-old juvenile has been arrested after allegedly making racially motivated online threats targeting a mosque and a Mesa high school, according to Detective Macias with the Mesa Police Department.
Authorities say the investigation began on February 18, 2026, around 7:30 p.m., when detectives were alerted by the FBI’s Phoenix Field Office regarding concerning online statements about a potential mass casualty incident.
The FBI’s Domestic Terrorism Unit had reportedly been investigating the suspect since late January after identifying multiple online posts indicating the individual was located within the Phoenix metropolitan area. Investigators then used several techniques to confirm the suspect’s identity and location.
Once the juvenile was identified as a student at Dobson High School, the FBI immediately notified Mesa police so detectives could take further action and pursue potential criminal charges.
According to investigators, the suspect allegedly made statements in online chat groups expressing intentions to carry out a shooting at both a mosque and his school, specifically targeting Hispanic students.
Detectives also say the juvenile allegedly posted photographs online showing tactical gear and firearms.
Arrest Made on Campus Without Disruption
On February 19, 2026, Mesa Police detectives obtained search warrants for two residences associated with the suspect. School resource officers worked with school administrators to safely locate the student on campus.
The juvenile was taken into custody at Dobson High School without incident and with no disruption to students or staff, police said.
Following the arrest, detectives served search warrants at both Mesa residences connected to the investigation. During the searches, officers located items consistent with those shown in the online posts, including:
- Tactical gear
- A tomahawk
- Extremist-related materials
- Airsoft-style rifles
- A realistic handgun replica
- Multiple electronic devices
These items were seized as part of the ongoing investigation.
The juvenile was booked into the Maricopa County Durango Juvenile Detention Center on charges of Making a Terroristic Threat and Terrorism.
Police emphasized that there is currently no threat to Dobson High School or the surrounding community.
Mesa Police officials credited the swift resolution to close collaboration between the FBI, school administration, school resource officers, and detectives.
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