A Florida middle school student was arrested and charged as an adult for allegedly constructing homemade firearms and explosives in preparation for a robbery, authorities announced this week. The investigation began on April 27 when St. Johns County sheriff’s deputies received an anonymous tip via the FortifyFL platform regarding messages exchanged on Telegram between 14-year-old Julian Davis and a 13-year-old friend. The messages reportedly discussed building a shotgun and musket, as well as obtaining zip ties for a planned robbery.
Sheriff Robert Hardwick stated during a press conference that charging Davis, who showed an intense interest in school shooters, may have prevented a significant tragedy. Davis was arrested on April 30 and charged with multiple firearms and explosives offenses. His younger friend, who is not being identified as he was not charged as an adult, also faces conspiracy to commit a robbery with a firearm charges. Both boys are banned from returning to Switzerland Point Middle School, though officials confirmed there was no direct threat to the school itself.
During multiple searches of Davis' home between April 27 and April 30, law enforcement discovered three homemade firearms, ammunition, components for suspected explosives, and makeshift handcuffs. Handwritten notes detailing weapon construction and a drawing resembling a Molotov cocktail were also found. Investigators noted the discovery of a tactical vest adorned with "White supremacy drawings" and a copy of the manifesto of Brenton Tarrant, the perpetrator of the 2019 Christchurch mosque shootings. Additionally, authorities found a U.S. Army improvised munitions handbook and a copy of "The Anarchist Cookbook."
Sheriff Hardwick indicated that Davis and his friend had planned to rob an individual identified as "CJ," though the identity of this person remains unknown. The sheriff suggested that Davis' online activity revealed a broader intent beyond just this single robbery, citing the student's fixation on individuals who committed mass school shootings and stabbings. "He was actually spending a lot of his time on there going through these high-profile cases. And it's something that he actually wanted to emulate," Hardwick said.
Davis is currently being held at the St. Johns County Jail on a $240,000 bond. He has pleaded not guilty to the charges and is awaiting arraignment on additional charges that have been filed. His 13-year-old friend spent 21 days in the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice custody before his release. The FortifyFL platform, established after the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooting, is designed to facilitate the reporting of potential threats from students.