Brother of Former NFL Player Aaron Hernandez Arrested for Alleged School Shooting Threats
Background
The older brother of former New England Patriots tight end Aaron Hernandez, Dennis John Hernandez, has been arrested for allegedly planning and threatening to carry out two school shootings at the University of Connecticut (UConn) and Brown University. Hernandez, 37, was arrested on July 19 and charged with threatening and breach of peace.
According to an incident report cited by the Associated Press, two women expressed concerns about Hernandez’s recent erratic behavior and deteriorating mental health. One woman, who dated Hernandez, had loaned him her car for a court appearance but he instead visited UConn and Brown, entering several classrooms and buildings at UConn.
Past Legal Issues
Hernandez has had multiple legal issues in recent months. TMZ Sports reported that some of these incidents stem from an altercation in May, in which Hernandez allegedly threw a brick at ESPN’s headquarters. The former football player has been involved in various encounters that displayed concerning behavior.
Threatening Social Media Posts and Police Response
The police report mentions threatening social media posts by Hernandez, including one in which he stated, “Will I kill? Absolutely… I’ve warned my enemies so pay up front.” Another post referred to having maps of the schools and claiming to have “a bullet for everyone.”
These findings led the police to consider Hernandez “gravely disabled and a danger to society.” They dispatched officers to his home, and during a phone conversation, Hernandez claimed to be armed and threatened to kill the officers. Hernandez then left his residence and approached the police while yelling “shoot me,” resulting in his being tased and apprehended.
During his evaluation at the hospital, Hernandez allegedly stated that he planned to kill certain individuals along with anyone who profited off his brother Aaron. The police report mentioned ESPN as a target but did not specify any individuals.
Investigation and Booking
After Hernandez was booked at the Bristol Police Department, law enforcement received a screenshot of an unreported threat he had sent to a family member. In the message, Hernandez demanded a “package deal” and threatened to make UConn pay unless he received his estate and everything he had worked for. The threat also warned others to stay away from the area, claiming no regard for innocent bystanders caught in the “crossfire.”
Editorial: Mental Health and the Examination of Societal Responsibility
The arrest of Dennis John Hernandez raises significant concerns about mental health and the potential threats posed to society. It also highlights the responsibility of institutions and individuals to address and prevent such risks.
Mental Health Support
The case underscores the need for comprehensive mental health support systems that can identify and assist individuals in crisis. Hernandez’s escalating erratic behavior and deteriorating mental health should have triggered early intervention to ensure the safety and well-being of both himself and the community.
School Security Measures
UConn and Brown University must evaluate and strengthen their security measures to ensure the safety of students and faculty. This arrest serves as a reminder of the potential threats that educational institutions face and the importance of proactive security protocols to mitigate these risks.
Social Media Monitoring
The case also highlights the role of social media platforms in identifying potential threats and aiding law enforcement. Monitoring online posts and having mechanisms in place to report concerning content can contribute to the prevention of acts of violence.
Awareness and Reporting
Individuals who witness concerning behavior or threats should promptly report them to the authorities. The two women who expressed their concerns about Dennis John Hernandez’s behavior played a vital role in alerting law enforcement and potentially averting a tragedy.
Conclusion
The arrest and allegations against Dennis John Hernandez for planning and threatening school shootings warrant a broader discussion about mental health support, school security, social media monitoring, and the responsibility of individuals to report concerning behavior. By addressing these issues and working together as a society, we can strive to prevent future acts of violence and protect the well-being of all citizens.
<< photo by Ron Lach >>
The image is for illustrative purposes only and does not depict the actual situation.
