Tampa Police Charge Man with Threats to Elementary School

On September 13, 2024, Tampa Police charged 35-year-old Estaban Del Valle with making a written threat to conduct a mass shooting at Gorrie Elementary School. The incident began when Del Valle sent a threatening text message to a witness, with whom he shares a child, expressing outrage over the child's suspension from the school. The witness acted swiftly, notifying school officials, who in turn contacted the police. Tampa detectives quickly traced the threatening message back to Del Valle's phone and arrested him at his residence in Clearwater. Chief Lee Bercaw spoke out against the threats, highlighting that such actions instill fear and disrupt the community's sense of safety.

He reassured the public that law enforcement would hold offenders accountable to the fullest extent of the law. Del Valle was subsequently transported to Pinellas County Jail. This incident underscores the seriousness with which authorities treat threats against educational institutions.