Two Teen Girls Arrested in School Shooting Plot Targeting California High School
Two 15-year-old girls were arrested for allegedly plotting an attack on Corona High School in Riverside County. The FBI identified social media communications about the plan.
FBI Disrupts Alleged School Attack Plot at Corona High School
Two 15-year-old girls have been arrested for allegedly planning a mass shooting at Corona High School in Riverside County, California, the NY Post Metro reports, after the FBI detected social media communications describing a "planned school attack."
The Corona-Norco Unified School District (CNUSD) confirmed that one girl is enrolled at Corona High School and the other at Norco High School, having previously attended Corona. Both were taken into custody by the Corona Police Department following coordination with the Los Angeles FBI field office.
The FBI identified the online communications and moved "immediately," according to a statement from FBI Director Kash Patel. "A potential act of targeted violence against a Southern California high school was disrupted before anyone was harmed," Patel said. 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."
Investigators executed search warrants, examined electronic devices, and searched multiple residences in the area. Officials determined the pair had spent months researching past school shootings to shape their plan. Both girls had discussed how to obtain weapons to carry out the attack, but authorities said they were unsuccessful in acquiring any. No weapons were found.
Both teens have been charged with felony conspiracy to commit murder and remain in custody. If prosecuted as adults, the charge carries a sentence of 25 years to life. As juveniles, they would likely face a lesser sentence upon conviction. The Riverside District Attorney's Office is reviewing the case and has not yet filed formal charges. Officials declined to release the girls' identities given their status as minors.
Neither girl has been on school grounds since the investigation began on October 6, CNUSD stated. Corona police noted that the teens' discussions about the shooting were at one point "ongoing."
In a statement, CNUSD expressed gratitude for law enforcement's response. "We are grateful for the swift response of the Corona Police Department and their continued partnership throughout this investigation," district officials wrote. "We understand that hearing news like this can be unsettling for families, and we want our parents to know that the safety and well-being of our students and staff remain our highest priority."
The district said it has established safety protocols, monitoring systems, and partnerships with local law enforcement to identify and respond to potential threats. School officials confirmed there is no current threat to the campus.
The case involved coordination among the FBI, the Riverside County Sheriff's Office, CNUSD, and the Corona Police Department. The Riverside District Attorney's Office is now reviewing whether to file formal charges.
Corona High School serves more than 2,000 students in grades 9 through 12. The city of Corona lies in Riverside County, roughly 47 miles east of downtown Los Angeles. The arrest announcement followed the school's Homecoming event last week.
The Corona Police Department urged residents to report any unusual activity. "Parents and students are reminded to immediately report anything they see or hear that could be concerning, as awareness plays a vital role in keeping everyone safe," the department said in a statement. Anyone with information can contact CPD Det. Edwards at [email protected] or by phone at 951-279-3656.
The plot emerged days after a separate school shooting at an elementary school in Oregon.
Source: NY Post Metro