Two California Teens Arrested in School Shooting Plot
The FBI alerted local authorities after discovering social media threats made by a 15-year-old student.
Two teenage girls have been arrested in Riverside County, California, for allegedly conspiring to carry out a school shooting at Corona High School. The FBI notified local police on October 6 after uncovering social media threats originating from a 15-year-old student at the school.
An investigation that followed included police executing search warrants, examining electronic devices, and searching residences in the area. Authorities identified a second 15-year-old girl, from Norco High School, as also being involved in the plot. Officials stated that the pair had been planning an attack on Corona High School and had spent months researching past school shootings to inform their plan.
Both girls reportedly discussed obtaining weapons but were unsuccessful in acquiring any, and no weapons were found. The two have been charged with felony conspiracy to commit murder and are currently in juvenile custody. If prosecuted as adults, the charge carries a sentence of 25 years to life, though the sentence is likely to be less severe as juveniles.
FBI Director Kash Patel commended the disruption of the potential violence, stating that a "potential act of targeted violence against a Southern California high school was disrupted before anyone was harmed." He added, "There is no greater priority than protecting our kids, and threats against our schools will be met with the full force of the FBI and our partners."
The Riverside District Attorney’s Office is reviewing the case. The investigation involved collaboration between the FBI, the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office, school officials from the Corona-Norco Unified School District, and the Corona Police Department. The identities of the two minors have not been released.
Corona High School, located approximately 47 miles east of Los Angeles, serves over 2,000 students in grades 9 through 12. The Corona Police Department advised the community to report any suspicious activity, emphasizing that "awareness plays a vital role in keeping everyone safe."