he teen from Spartanburg, USA, posted the picture while wearing a partial mask and holding what appears to be an assault rifle, the County Sheriff’s office said.
Authorities were alerted to the threat after a classmate who recognised the suspect told a parent.
Police rushed to the suspect’s home where they found the mask and what turned out to be a pellet gun.
The teen’s antics come only a day after a mass shooting in Florida in which 17 students and staff were murdered at a high school.
But the teenager claimed it was supposed to be a joke.
Lieutenant Kevin Bobo said: “After informing the suspect and his parents of the law violation, the suspect stated his Snapchat post was just intended as a joke, and that he didn’t have any serious intentions.”
The suspect’s name will not be released due to his age.
He has been charged with disturbing schools and was transferred to the Department of Juvenile Justice facility in Greenville.
Spartanburg School District Three spokesperson Sherri Horton said: “The safety of our students and staff is of paramount importance.
“In order to ensure the safety of every student, the District Three Administration and Board of Trustees are providing additional security at the school.”
Superintendent Kenny Blackwood added, “The District would like to commend the student who came forward with information. It is this kind of courage to speak out that can and will prevent tragedies.”
“You don’t really see too many people speak up these days,” said Murphy, “Seeing someone speak up like that before anything could happen, is really Good on their part.”
The investigation is ongoing.
More to follow…