Dallas — A 16-year-old boy is wanted in Garland for the murders of two teenagers.
In Lancaster, a 17-year-old boy was charged with the murder of his ex-girlfriend.
This is part of a regional increase in violent crimes committed by juveniles that has drawn the attention of FBI Director Chris Wray.
“This increase is consistent with the trends we're seeing at the national level,” said Wray during a visit to the FBI's Dallas office.
Juvenile arrests for violent crimes have fallen sharply since the mid-1990s, according to Department of Justice records, but the number has increased over the past two years, according to the Dallas County Juvenile Department.
“I don't think there's a single cause,” Ray said.
“For example, there are gangs that appoint juvenile shooters because they perceive it to have less of an impact on juveniles.”
Ray said children sometimes incite each other to violence on gaming platforms and social media. They may also find motivation to commit extreme acts.
“Over the past three years, the Dallas area has seen an increase in incidents involving juveniles inspired by foreign terrorist organizations like ISIS,” Ray said.
He said the FBI and local law enforcement were successful in thwarting the boys who were actively planning the attack. In response, the FBI is currently ramping up its threat assessment and threat management programs with the goal of strengthening collaboration with local law enforcement, schools, and mental health professionals to deter violence, he said. Ta.
