Man accused of making threats against Orange schools released at border

Threats on social media against Boone HS, Liberty MS, Colonial HS, Edgewater HS

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – A man accused of making violent threats against several Orange County schools and their students was captured Sunday, but was released at the Canadian border on Monday, authorities said.

The Orange County Sheriff's Office said Jesus Wellington Kong, 23, was detained while attempting to cross into Canada. He was questioned at the border, then released and was ultimately allowed to enter Canada.

Investigators said one of the threats made reference to shooting up Colonial High School on Thursday. Others involved planting pipe bombs at Boone High School and Liberty Middle School.

Edgewater High School and Colonial 9th Grade Center were also mentioned in some of the threats.

News 6 saw law enforcement in large numbers at the targeted school from first bell Thursday morning to when students left in the afternoon. Parents said they were nervous to drop their kids off, but confident they were in good hands.

"They gave me a sense that he will be safe," Joy Christopher, parent of a Colonial High School student said.

Williams said deputies patrolled the targeted schools Thursday, as well as all of the other schools in the district.

"We are going to go out of our way, go above and beyond the call of duty, and we're going to respond appropriately to make sure that that happens -- that these kids are safe," he said.

Despite the patrols, more than 900 students were absent from three of the Orlando-area schools after the threats were made.

Deputies said when Kong was detained he appeared to be in some sort of distress and was taken into custody. Officials said they will work with the federal partners in the incident.

Stay with News 6 and ClickOrlando.com for updates on this story.


About the Authors:

Dawn Jorgenson, Graham Media Group Branded Content Managing Editor, began working with the group in April 2013. She graduated from Texas State University with a degree in electronic media.

Erik Sandoval joined the News 6 team as a reporter in May 2013 and became an Investigator in 2020. During his time at News 6, Erik has covered several major stories, including the 2016 Presidential campaign. He was also one of the first reporters live on the air at the Pulse Nightclub shooting.

Recommended Videos