A 14-year-old Florida student has been charged as an adult with multiple firearms and explosives offenses after authorities discovered homemade weapons and other materials in his bedroom, St. Johns County Sheriff Robert Hardwick announced Friday.
The investigation began in late April after the St. Johns County School District received a tip about two middle school students engaging in what authorities described as a threatening text conversation about homemade weapons and a plan to rob someone, according to ABC News. Both students attended Switzerland Point Middle School.
Julian Davis, 14, and a 13-year-old friend were both charged with conspiracy to commit a robbery with a firearm. Davis faces additional charges related to the firearms and explosive devices found at his home.
According to an arrest report, the tip included video of an April 16 conversation between the two teens on the app Telegram in which they allegedly plotted to rob someone at gunpoint and split the proceeds. The report stated: "Also in the text conversation were several pictures and videos depicting ammunition, pipe components, zip ties, and a clear bottle containing an unknown yellow liquid wrapped in duct tape with an apparent fuse affixed to the side."
The alleged plan was to rob an unknown individual behind a grocery store.
During a search of Davis's home, authorities found three homemade firearms, ammunition, and zip-ties constructed into handcuffs. Two of the seized firearms, both shotguns, successfully expelled a projectile during a functionality test. A third firearm, a pistol, did not function.
Authorities also found suspected explosive components, handwritten notes depicting the construction of firearms, and a tactical vest with white supremacy drawings. Other items described as indicative of white supremacy ideology included the book "The Great Replacement," according to the incident report.
Digital forensics research going back two years indicated Davis was allegedly, in the sheriff's words, obsessed with mass shootings and stabbings.
"This is a heinous and atrocious case. We want to make sure these two individuals are held accountable," Hardwick said during a press briefing. He added that he believes authorities prevented a tragedy.
"This is a much bigger picture than just a robbery of that individual," Hardwick also said.
Davis remains in custody and previously pleaded not guilty to initial charges. He is set to be arraigned again next month following the filing of the new charges.
