A 14-year-old Florida teen, identified as Jose Pagan Jr. from Wimauma in Hillsborough County, was arrested on January 31, 2026, for allegedly plotting a mass shooting at a nearby church while possessing child sexual abuse material.
Incident Details
Sheriff Chad Chronister reported that investigators received a tip about the teen’s access to weapons and threats in an online extremist chatroom, linked to the same IP address as a child exploitation probe. A search of his home uncovered multiple firearms (most in a safe, one accessible in his father’s nightstand), ammunition, and devices with 14 “extremely graphic” images of violence against infants and toddlers.
Extremist Ties
The teen was connected to a “neo-Nazi Satanic group” called the Temple of Love, which promotes violence for spiritual enlightenment; he reportedly told deputies he was just “trying to be edgy.” No specific church was named, but local patrols were increased as a precaution.
Charges and Status
Charged as a juvenile with threats of mass shooting/terrorism, child pornography possession/transmission (14 counts), and unlawful use of communications devices, he faces potential adult charges pending further forensics and review by the State Attorney’s Office. Chronister stressed that the teen’s age does not diminish the crimes’ severity.
