On February 5, 2026, Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister announced the arrest of 14-year-old Jose Pagan Jr. in Wimauma, Florida, following an investigation that revealed a potential mass shooting plot targeting a local church, as well as the possession of child pornography. The arrest was part of a coordinated response to tips about Pagan's access to firearms and his involvement in a neo-Nazi chatroom.
The investigation into Pagan began on January 31 after law enforcement received information about the teen’s access to weapons and intentions to carry out an attack. A concurrent tip led to the discovery of his connection to child exploitation, heightening the urgency of the case. Deputies conducted a search of Pagan's residence, where they found multiple firearms, ammunition, and electronic devices containing disturbing images of sexual abuse involving infants and toddlers.
Officials linked Pagan to an online extremist community, “Tempel of Love,” which promotes violence under the pretext of spiritual enlightenment. Sheriff Chronister emphasized the growing concern over the online radicalization of minors, noting that Pagan's activities were consistent with patterns observed in other extremist networks. Digital exposure to violent ideologies has been flagged by experts as a significant risk factor for real-world juvenile offenses.
During the search, one firearm was discovered in a nightstand, easily accessible to the teen, while two additional weapons were properly secured in a safe belonging to Pagan's father. All electronic devices were seized for forensic analysis, with law enforcement suggesting that further charges might arise upon review of the material.
Sheriff Chronister made it clear that the severity of such crimes is not diminished by the age of the perpetrator, expressing the department's resolve to act decisively against threats of violence and exploitation. Increased patrols around two local churches were implemented as a precaution against any possible subsequent threats.
The sheriff also stressed the importance of parental vigilance in monitoring children's online activities, highlighting the potential danger posed by minors who have access to both violent content and firearms. Pagan is being held in juvenile detention for an initial 21-day period while prosecutors consider the possibility of adult charges.
The teen's nonchalant demeanor during the arrest, contrasted with his father's distress, has been a point of discussion, reflecting the broader societal challenge of addressing the radicalization of youth. Experts call for early identification, parental oversight, and intervention programs to prevent such violent incidents.
The case exemplifies the complex intersection of juvenile delinquency, online radicalization, and access to firearms, demanding increased vigilance from community and national authorities. The ongoing investigation may lead to additional charges once the forensic analysis of Pagan's devices is completed.
