Last Updated Apr 4, 2018 7:26 PM EDT
BOSTON — In the age of the internet, it can be very difficult to tell how serious someone’s comments might be. But after a recent threat to “shoot up” a school was posted under one of his Instagram photos, Patriots receiver Julian Edelman didn’t take any chances, CBS Boston reports.
A report Wednesday by The New York Times explains how Edelman was alerted to a comment that read: “I’m going to shoot my school up watch the news.” Another Instagram user sent Edelman a direct message to make him aware of the comment, and Edelman then contacted his assistant. She talked with police in Boston, and the authorities eventually tracked down the user who made the threat.
Julian Edelman of the New England Patriots seen Jan. 31, 2017, in Houston, Texas.
Getty
According to the Times, the comment came from a 14-year-old boy in Port Huron, Michigan. The police there visited the boy’s home and say he admitted posting it. Police also reportedly found two rifles that belonged his mother. The boy is currently being held at a juvenile detention center, “charged with making a false report of a threat of terrorism.”
A statement released by Edelman’s representatives said, “Julian wants to thank the individual on his social media account who alerted Julian and his staff to this alleged threat. This individual’s thoughtfulness and awareness may have helped avert another tragedy. Julian is very grateful for the quick action of law enforcement authorities in Massachusetts and Michigan, and he thanks all law enforcement for their efforts in helping all of us become more aware and vigilant.”
The Instagram post at the root of it all was simply a picture of Edelman and former teammate Danny Amendola spending time together in Texas.
“With the emotions of what happened, and I have a kid now, I said, holy Toledo, what is going on?” Edelman told The Times. “Thankfully, this kid said something. We’re going to send him something, a care package, just for his work. He’s the real hero.”
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