Billings, MT — The Billings Police Department has arrested a 16-year-old male in connection with a credible mass shooting threat targeting both a local school and church. The arrest comes following a suspicious call received early Thursday morning, prompting a swift and coordinated response by law enforcement.
At approximately 7:28 a.m. on July 31, 2025, officers were dispatched to the 3200 block of Rosebud Drive after receiving disturbing information regarding a potential act of mass violence. According to the report, an individual was allegedly planning to carry out shootings at a school and a church within the Billings area.
Upon arrival, officers conducted a preliminary investigation and quickly determined the seriousness of the threat. Detectives with the Billings Police Department (BPD), along with patrol officers, were able to identify, locate, and apprehend the suspect, a 16-year-old local male, whose identity is being withheld due to his age.
Through the course of the investigation, authorities were able to verify the credibility of the threat, leading to formal charges. The juvenile suspect is now in custody and has been charged with felony Intimidation. He has been remanded to Youth Services while the investigation continues.
“Thanks to the swift action and thorough investigative work of our officers and detectives, we were able to neutralize a potentially catastrophic event before it occurred,” said Lt. Samantha Puckett, Administrative Lieutenant for the Billings Police Department. “We take all threats of this nature with the utmost seriousness. Public safety is and always will be our top priority.”
The department has not released details regarding the suspect’s motives or whether weapons were recovered during the investigation. Further information may be released as the case develops, pending juvenile privacy regulations and ongoing investigative protocols.
Billings Police are reminding the public, especially students and families, that threats of violence—whether verbal, written, or digital—will not be taken lightly and may result in severe criminal charges, even for minors.
Anyone with additional information regarding this incident (Case #C&O 25-47693) is urged to contact:
Administrative Lieutenant Samantha Puckett
(406) 869-3928
pucketts@billingsmt.gov
End of Release
Case Number: C&O 25-47693
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