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Miami-Dade, FL - A South Florida teen’s private group chat on Instagram led to an FBI investigation and charges for making alleged violent threats.
According to reports, 18-year-old Ronaldo Hernandez-Padron appeared in a Miami-Dade courtroom on Monday, facing charges for writing threats to conduct a mass shooting or an act of terrorism.
Authorities say the FBI was tipped off by Instagram’s parent company, Meta, after the teen allegedly made alarming statements in a private group chat.
Court records reveal that in the group chat with friends, Hernandez-Padron reportedly wrote, "Bad things are going to happen" and "bombing a house today."
These messages prompted Meta to notify the FBI’s National Threat Operations Center, leading to the teen’s arrest.
During the hearing, Hernandez-Padron’s attorney, David Donet, argued that the comments were meant as a joke, describing the incident as a result of "youthful inexperience."
Donet also highlighted Hernandez-Padron’s academic achievements, noting that he is an honor student at Florida International University.
However, the university has not responded to media requests for comment.
If convicted, Hernandez-Padron faces up to 15 years in prison.
His attorney is hopeful for a low bond to allow his release while awaiting further court proceedings.
"We are confident Mr. Hernandez, who is an honor student and bright young kid, learned his lesson about this joke," Donet stated.