Executive Summary
- Dion Torres, 25, was arrested by the FBI after allegedly posting a threat on TikTok to “shoot up a school.”
- Agents seized an AR rifle and over 100 rounds of ammunition, including armor-piercing bullets, from the suspect’s home.
- Court documents indicate the suspect has a history of mental health issues and prior law enforcement contacts involving firearms.
LAS CRUCES, N.M. — A 25-year-old Las Cruces man has been taken into custody by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) on felony weapons charges following an investigation into a specific threat made on social media to commit a school shooting.
According to court documents obtained regarding the arrest, the investigation commenced when the FBI field office in Albuquerque received a tip regarding a disturbing comment posted on the social media platform TikTok. The threat, allegedly posted on a live stream on December 17, stated, “Im shoot up a school tomorrow time to kill kids.”
Federal agents utilized digital forensic techniques to trace the account to Dion Torres. Upon identifying the suspect, agents executed a visit to his residence in Las Cruces, where he resides with his parents. The arrest affidavit notes that Torres appeared to be intoxicated with marijuana when detectives arrived and was reportedly uncooperative when requested to provide access to his mobile phone.
A subsequent search of the residence yielded significant weaponry. Agents discovered an AR-style rifle and three fully loaded magazines in Torres’ closet. The magazines contained approximately 120 rounds of ammunition, including specific armor-piercing rounds. Investigators also documented writing on a wall near the closet that appeared to be a “shopping list” or inventory, detailing items such as clothing and “green tip” rounds.
During the confiscation of the firearms, the affidavit alleges that Torres remarked to authorities, “If I wanted to shoot up a school I already would have.” Interviews with the suspect’s parents revealed that Torres had previously been diagnosed with bipolar disorder and anger issues. Investigators believe these medical conditions may have been concealed during the process of purchasing the firearms.
Law enforcement records indicate prior incidents involving Torres and firearms. In 2023, he allegedly shot his brother during a domestic dispute, although no charges were filed in that instance. Additionally, court documents note that Torres attended Las Cruces Public Schools, where he had a documented history of mental health challenges.
Investigative Outlook
This arrest underscores the federal commitment to proactively monitoring and acting upon digital threats directed at educational institutions. The swift transition from an online tip to a physical search reflects the heightened urgency law enforcement agencies place on school safety protocols. The case also brings legal scrutiny to the efficacy of background checks regarding applicants with undisclosed mental health diagnoses. It is important to note that all individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
