WALTON COUNTY, Fla. — A Santa Rosa Beach man has been charged with making electronic threats of a mass shooting after the Walton County Sheriff’s Office (WCSO) was notified by the FBI of a possible threat on TikTok.
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The WCSO said agents alerted the agency over the weekend after an individual livestreamed threatening statements referencing a planned school shooting. According to the sheriff’s office, the video was flagged and removed from the platform immediately.
With assistance from the FBI, deputies identified the account holder as 20-year-old Ethan Ladner. Contact was made with Mr Ladner, who reportedly confirmed the TikTok account belonged to him.
Deputies said Ladner admitted to posting the threatening comments and told investigators he was attempting to provoke reactions online. He was charged with making electronic threats of a mass shooting, which is a felony in Florida.
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The WCSO stressed that threats against schools are never taken lightly.
“There is no such thing as a ‘joke’ when it comes to threats of violence toward our schools,” the sheriff’s office said.
“Every threat is treated as credible until proven otherwise. These investigations mobilize extensive law-enforcement resources and carry serious legal consequences.”
As students return to class following Thanksgiving break, the WCSO said it is working closely with local schools, federal partners, and the community to ensure a safe environment for students and staff.
“We take every threat, online or otherwise, seriously and will act swiftly,” the agency said.
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The sheriff’s office urged parents to speak with their children about the gravity of posting threats or violent language online, adding that even “jokes” can lead to criminal charges, school disciplinary action, and long-term consequences.
“Walton County stands together in keeping our schools safe,” the WCSO said.
“We remain committed to that goal and are grateful for a community that looks out for one another. We’re here if you need us.”
