Two Florida Students, Ages 10 and 11, Arrested for Threatening Classmates

Volusia County Sheriff blasts 'idiotic threats' that 'disrupt our schools'

Published on Mar. 6, 2026

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Two young students in Volusia County, Florida were arrested this week after allegedly making violent threats against their classmates and teachers. Anthony Steward, 11, and Micah Swinnie, 10, were both marched out of patrol cars by the Volusia Sheriff's Office for the incidents, which included threats to 'shoot' teachers and leave a 'list of people who i'm gunna kill' at a desk.

Why it matters

The arrests highlight growing concerns over school safety and the need for effective disciplinary measures to address threats of violence, even from very young students. The Volusia County Sheriff criticized those who 'coddle' such behavior, arguing that 'idiotic threats' disrupt schools and increase the chances of a real threat slipping through.

The details

Anthony Steward, a student at DeLand Middle School, allegedly hijacked a classmate's account and sent threatening messages to seven of his teachers, saying 'imma shoot you.' Micah Swinnie, a student at Pride Elementary School, allegedly left a 'list of people who i'm gunna kill' at a desk and wrote on a whiteboard that he would bring a gun to school. Both boys were arrested and paraded in front of cameras, with the sheriff saying 'If you can threaten to shoot 7 teachers you can take a perp walk.'

  • On March 4, 2026, Anthony Steward was arrested for allegedly threatening to kill seven of his teachers.
  • On March 5, 2026, Micah Swinnie was arrested for allegedly leaving a 'list of people who i'm gunna kill' and writing that he would bring a gun to school.

The players

Anthony Steward

An 11-year-old student at DeLand Middle School who was arrested for allegedly threatening to kill seven of his teachers.

Micah Swinnie

A 10-year-old student at Pride Elementary School who was arrested for allegedly leaving a 'list of people who i'm gunna kill' and writing that he would bring a gun to school.

Mike Chitwood

The Volusia County Sheriff who criticized those who 'coddle' students who make 'idiotic threats' that 'disrupt our schools.'

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What they’re saying

“If you can threaten to shoot 7 teachers you can take a perp walk. Parents, discipline your kids and I won't have to.”

— Mike Chitwood, Volusia County Sheriff (Facebook)

What’s next

It is unclear if the two students will be formally charged, but the Volusia County Sheriff's Office has vowed to take a tough stance on such 'idiotic threats' that disrupt schools.

The takeaway

These arrests underscore the growing challenge schools face in addressing violent threats, even from very young students. While disciplinary measures are necessary, experts argue that a holistic approach focusing on mental health, conflict resolution, and community engagement is also crucial to preventing such incidents and promoting school safety.