In a swift law enforcement operation, two teenage girls in Houston were arrested on suspicion of plotting a mass casualty attack at a local high school, authorities confirmed on Wednesday. The FBI Houston office, in coordination with Houston Police and the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office, acted upon intelligence suggesting a planned attack involving pipe bombs and firearms at a school within the Spring Branch Independent School District.
The two suspects, aged 15 and 16, were taken into custody after authorities received information about their alleged intentions. According to a news release from the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office, the case stemmed from online threats that suggested a violent attack on the school. One of the students, who was not part of the school district, was detained on unrelated charges, while the other, a student from within the district, was taken into custody in Harris County.
Law enforcement officials acted swiftly, making the arrests within 30 minutes of receiving the tip, CNN affiliate KPRC reported.
Second arrest within a week: Recent school attack plots
This arrest marks the second instance within a week where law enforcement has intervened to thwart a planned school attack. Earlier in Indiana, an 18-year-old girl, Trinity Shockley, was taken into custody for allegedly planning a mass shooting on Valentine’s Day. Shockley, who authorities claim was obsessed with the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooting perpetrator, was arrested after a tip was received via the Sandy Hook tip line.
Authorities in Indiana found messages on the Discord messaging app detailing Shockley’s alleged plans, which included acquiring an AR-15 rifle and a bulletproof vest. She now faces charges of conspiracy to commit murder and two terrorism-related offenses and is being held without bond at the Morgan County Jail.
How local law enforcement responded
The Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office reassured the public of its commitment to school safety, stating, “We are treating this matter with the utmost urgency and commitment, as threats of violence in our schools will not be tolerated.” Additional security measures have been implemented across the school district to ensure student safety, and officials continue to work closely with law enforcement partners to prevent further incidents.
Both cases serve as stark reminders of the ongoing threat of school violence and the importance of community vigilance. Authorities continue to encourage students, parents, and school officials to report any suspicious activities through established reporting channels to prevent potential tragedies before they unfold
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