Posting Eminem’s lyrics on Instagram leads to California teen’s arrest

A California boy, 15, was arrested after posting lyrics from Eminem’s songs on Instagram on Aug. 31, Monday, on charges of making terrorist threats. The teen, a sophomore student at San Joaquin Memorial High School in Fresno, Calif., is currently in juvenile detention.

Officials at San Joaquin Memorial High School and St. Anthony’s Catholic School, where the teen previously attended, cancelled classes on Sept. 1, Tuesday, because of the Instagram post of Eminem’s lyrics referring to the Columbine High School shooting. The lyrics were mentioned by the Detroit rapper in “I’m Back” and “Rap God.”

A Fresno police investigation led to a search of the teen’s home on East Lewis Avenue. Investigators not only seized an iPad, an iPhone and other computer devices but also found a bullet vest, ammunition and several guns were found.

In addition, the investigators learned that the teen’s mother died from an illness almost a year ago and he recently broke up with his girlfriend. The teen also quit the football team and was not doing well in school.

According to Fresno police Chief Jerry Dyer, the teen is a socially awkward loner, which is similar to the characteristics of past school shooters. He said such characteristics made the investigators believe that a threat is likely to be carried out.

On the other hand, the teen's attorney, Linden Lindahl, denied the characterization made the investigators. He said that the investigators clearly had already made up their minds that the teen made the Instagram post of Eminem’s lyrics.

“They weren’t trying to get information,” Fresno Bee quoted Lindahl as saying. On the other hand, the lawyer said his client denied posting Eminem’s lyrics and being bullied, and he cooperatively spoke with the police.

Eminem has yet to comment on the issue. The “Rap God” rapper recently met with religious group Nation of Islam leader Louis Farrakhan, Sr., 82, in Detroit, where they discussed the upcoming #JusticeOrElse march in Washington, D.C., on Oct. 10, BET reported.

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