FORT WALTON BEACH, Fla., Feb. 12, 2026—A 15-year-old was arrested Monday for making threats to carry out a school shooting in Fort Walton Beach.

Joel Bravo-Jaramillo is charged with issuing a written/electronic treat to commit a mass shooting and using a two-way communication device to commit a felony.

Choctawhatchee High School officials were made aware of the threats Jan. 16 by a student. The school immediately notified law enforcement.

“We are extremely thankful that a student chose to speak up and report this concerning behavior,” said School Superintendent Marcus Chambers. “Because of that courageous decision, school administration and law enforcement were able to take immediate action.”

“The safety of our students and staff is our highest priority,” he said. “The Okaloosa County School District will not tolerate this type of behavior.”

During an Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office investigation, witnesses said Bravo-Jaramillo had been making increasingly specific threats between December 2025 and January 2026.

“I want to commend the students who came forward,” said Chambers. “Reporting threats is not only the right thing to do, but it also helps protect classmates, teachers, and our entire community.”

“Their willingness to speak up may have prevented a dangerous situation,” said Sheriff Eric Aden. “Threats of violence, whether made in person or online, are taken seriously and can lead to criminal charges.”

No weapons were found during the OCSO investigation. A forensic analysis of Bravo-Jaramillo’s phone revealed it contained a document titled “List 2026” that contained names of students who attend or had attended Choctawhatchee High School.

While being interviewed by OCSO investigators, the teen admitted he made the statements, but said they were “jokes.”

“Statements about harming others create real fear, disrupt schools and have lifelong consequences,” said Aden.

“As superintendent, I have zero tolerance for threats of violence that disrupt the safety and security of our campuses,” said Chambers. “Any threat, whether made in person, in writing or online, will be taken seriously and addressed immediately.”

Bravo-Jaramillo was taken into custody at the Okaloosa Academy Monday and transported to the Department of Juvenile Justice facility near Crestview.

Anyone with information about threats or suspicious behavior is urged to contact the OCSO at 850-651-7400 or Emerald Coast Crimestoppers.

“Reporting concerns is the best way to protect your classmates, your school, your community and yourself,” said Aden. 

Staff and OCSO news release