14-Year-Old Faces Terrorism, Child Porn Charges

14-Year-Old Arrested on Terrorism and Child Pornography Charges After Alleged Church Mass-Killing Plot

📹 Video: Teen Arrested in Wimauma Church Shooting Investigation — YouTube footage from local news shows law enforcement announcing charges and details of the case. Watch: Teen Arrested for Church Shooting Plot (YouTube)

📱 X Post – Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office:

“Threats of mass violence and exploitation of children demand immediate action.”

WIMAUMA, FL — A 14-year-old boy was taken into custody on January 31, 2026, after authorities say he planned a mass killing at a church near his home and possessed disturbing child pornography material, law enforcement officials announced this week.

The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office received a tip from the Internet Predator Unit that linked the youth’s home IP address to an active child exploitation investigation. Subsequent inquiries reportedly revealed discussions in an online extremist chatroom about shooting up a church in the Wimauma area.

At a press conference Wednesday, Sheriff Chad Chronister said deputies executed a search warrant at the teen’s residence, where they found multiple firearms, ammunition, and electronic devices containing graphic child sexual abuse material.

📱 X Post – Sheriff Chad Chronister:

“There’s no such thing as being ‘too attentive’ when it comes to monitoring a child’s online activity.”

Investigators say the suspect was active in a chatroom tied to violent extremists and connected online with a neo-Nazi/Satanic hate group known as the Temple of Love, which reportedly advocates violence as a form of spiritual enlightenment.

While authorities have not publicly identified the specific church allegedly targeted, Sheriff’s Office personnel confirmed patrols have increased near two congregations close to the boy’s home.

The teen was charged with several serious offenses, including a written or electronic threat to conduct a mass shooting or act of terrorism, in-state transmission of child pornography by electronic device, 14 counts of solicitation or possession of child pornography, and unlawful use of a communications device.

“At only 14, this individual’s actions could have had devastating consequences,” Chronister said. “We take these threats seriously, regardless of age.”

Despite the youth’s age, prosecutors have not ruled out charging him as an adult. A State Attorney’s Office review is ongoing, and additional charges may be forthcoming as forensic examinations of seized devices continue.

What law enforcement has described as “extremely graphic and disturbing” material found on the boy’s electronics reportedly involves abuse of infants and toddlers, according to officials.

📱 X Post – ABC News:

“Sheriff Chronister cautions that a firearm from the teen’s father’s nightstand could have easily been accessed.”

At the news briefing, Chronister stressed the gravity of the situation. “Think about the potential of the violence that could have occurred,” he said, underscoring how readily the boy could have obtained a weapon stored in his home.

Conservative commentators have reacted strongly to the arrest, emphasizing parental responsibility and the influence of harmful online content. Some analysts argue the case highlights the need for stricter oversight of digital chatrooms, pointing to the ways extremist ideologies can radicalize even young teens. Others stress that access to firearms within the home remains a central concern.

Faith leaders in the Wimauma area released statements reaffirming their commitment to public safety and unity. Several local pastors thanked law enforcement for acting before any harm could be done.

“This disturbing case reminds us that vigilance in all areas of life — digital, social, spiritual — is essential for the protection of children and communities alike,” one church official said in a prepared statement.

The Hillsborough County investigation is ongoing. Authorities have asked anyone with further information about the online networks or contacts linked to the teen to come forward. More updates will be released as new evidence becomes available.