Teen arrested for US Open of Surfing threats made on social media

HUNTINGTON BEACH, Calif. (KABC) -- Huntington Beach police arrested a 16-year-old male suspect they say made credible threats of violence ahead of the U.S. Open of Surfing.

The teen, who is from Huntington Beach, made the threats on social media Thursday, police said. A search warrant was served at his home Friday night. A shotgun and a handgun that the teen had access to were found, police said. He was booked for making terrorist threats at Orange County Juvenile Hall.

"We did recover a handgun and a shotgun from the residence that appeared to belong to the family, and we're still conducting a follow-up so what that means is we've taken all his electronic devices, " Huntington Beach police Lt. Mitch O'Brien said.

Huntington Beach is taking no chances with this year's U.S. Open of Surfing after the riots that erupted last year, where people vandalized and looted business on Main Street and started fights.

Police presence will be increased at this year's event. Surveillance cameras are monitoring the crowd, and police officers on horseback are keeping a close watch.

"The safety measures that they've put in place for us this year and the plan that we have is working flawlessly, and I think last night's situation is proof positive that they're on it," event producer James Leitz said.

This year, there are no concerts and only 12 vendors instead of 100. The aim is to make the event more family-friendly and emphasize the sport of surfing, while showcasing the top surfers in the world in the city known as Surf City.

"What we're feeling and hearing and seeing online is a great appreciation for bringing that focus back," Leitz said.

Officials say about 500,000 people were expected to attend the nine-day event, which kicked off at 8 a.m. Saturday. It was the largest opening day crowds have seen in its 20-year history.

So far police believe the 16-year-old suspect acted alone. The investigation is ongoing, police said.