Nashville, TN, September 26, 2025
News Summary
A 17-year-old student in Nashville faces serious charges for threatening to attack school staff after discovering a needed class was in-person. He was arrested following alarming remarks about causing harm to others and has been charged with making threats of mass violence. This incident is part of a troubling pattern, with several students recently arrested for similar threats amid rising concerns over school safety and violence.
Nashville, TN – A 17-year-old Nashville student, Jaidon Buford, is facing serious charges after allegedly threatening The Academy at Old Cockrill. Buford reportedly became upset upon learning that a class he needed was in-person instead of online. In an alarming outburst, he threatened to “put his hands” on the principal, “smack” a teacher, and expressed that he had “big guns” and would come back to “shoot up the school.”
The Metro Nashville Police Department (MNPD) responded swiftly to the threats and arrested Buford at his home. During the arrest, Buford stated that “karma was coming.” He has been charged with making a threat of mass violence in school and is currently being held in the Davidson County Jail on a $15,000 bond. Buford is scheduled to appear in court on September 24.
In the last two days, the MNPD arrested six other students for making threats against Metro schools, which included three males aged 12 to 14, two 12-year-olds, along with a high school junior. This recent wave of arrests is linked to a rise in social media threats following a recent shooting at Antioch High School, where a 16-year-old girl tragically lost her life. All six arrested students are facing charges in Juvenile Court for making threats of mass violence.
Nashville has seen a troubling rise in incidents tied to threats of mass violence among students. In the previous school year, 41 individuals were arrested for making such threats, a stark increase from only 12 arrests in the 2023/24 school year. During the 2024/25 school year, approximately one out of every four Nashville public schools reported at least one arrest for threats.
Additionally, nearly 200 school threats were investigated by the Metro Nashville Police Department’s Security Threat Section from October through May of the previous year. In response to these alarming trends, the district has implemented increased security measures, including a concealed weapon detection system that has been installed in all high schools.
New laws have been enacted requiring public schools to expel students who threaten mass violence, and such threats are classified under felony charges. However, parents have expressed concerns that harsh punishments may disproportionately impact students whose comments or social media posts were deemed jokes. The aim of these stringent measures is to raise awareness among families about the serious implications of making threats and the potential for significant consequences.
Recent Arrests Overview
- Total Students Arrested: 7 (including Buford)
- Age Range of Arrested Students: 12 to 17 years old
- Charges: Threats of mass violence
Recent Statistics
- Previous Year Arrests: 41 total for threats of mass violence
- Current Year Arrests: 12 total for threats of mass violence
- Investigated Threats: Nearly 200 by MNPD
Conclusion
As Nashville grapples with this troubling trend of violence-related threats within its schools, authorities are emphasizing the importance of treating such threats with the seriousness they deserve. The combination of increased law enforcement presence in schools and strict legal repercussions underscores a community-wide commitment to safety in educational environments.
FAQ Section
What charges does Jaidon Buford face?
Buford has been charged with making a threat of mass violence in school and is being held in the Davidson County Jail on a $15,000 bond.
How many students were arrested recently in Nashville?
In the last two days, MNPD arrested six other students alongside Jaidon Buford for making threats against Metro schools.
Why has there been a rise in threats of violence in Nashville schools?
The rise in threats is connected to an increase in social media threats following a recent shooting at Antioch High School, where a 16-year-old girl was killed.
What new measures have been implemented in Nashville schools?
The district has initiated increased security measures, including a concealed weapon detection system installed in all high schools.
What are the consequences for making threats of mass violence?
New laws require public schools to expel students who threaten mass violence and classify such threats as felony charges.
Key Features Overview
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Total Arrests | Seven students arrested in relation to threats of mass violence. |
| Legal Consequences | Threats classified as felony charges with mandatory expulsions for offenders. |
| Security Measures | Concealed weapon detection systems installed in all high schools. |
| Recent Incidents | Alarming trend of threats linked to increased social media activity after school shootings. |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Nashville Expands Weapon Detection Systems to Middle Schools
Nashville Installs Weapon Detection Systems in Middle Schools
Vanderbilt Women’s Soccer Faces Narrow Defeat Against Oklahoma
Civil Rights Leader Bobby Cain Passes Away
Nashville Schools Approve Weapon Detection Systems for Middle Schools
Tennessee Titans Prepare for Week 3 Matchup Against Colts
Tennessee Legislature Boosts Education Funding and Choices
Former TSU Student Arrested After Bomb Threats
Tragic Shooting at Antioch High School Shakes Community
Tennessee Students Face Anxiety Over Gun Violence
Additional Resources
- WSMV: Nashville Teen Charged with Threatening to Shoot Up School
- NewsChannel 5: Nashville Police Arrest 6 Students Accused of Making School Threats
- WKRN: 3 Nashville Students Arrested for Making Threats to Schools
- Wikipedia: School Safety
- Encyclopedia Britannica: School Violence
Author: HERE Nashville
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