Two teenage girls from Texas were apprehended on Wednesday for allegedly planning a violent attack on Memorial High School in Houston, as confirmed by local authorities and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). The girls, aged 15 and 16, were taken into custody following a swift operation initiated after officials became aware of online threats.
The operation involved collaboration between the FBI, the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office, and the Spring Branch Independent School District Police Department. Authorities acted quickly, arresting the suspects just 30 minutes after the threats were reported. The 16-year-old, a student at Memorial High, was arrested on campus and faces charges of making a terroristic threat, classified as a third-degree felony. Meanwhile, the 15-year-old, who attends Willis High School, is being held on unrelated charges and has not yet been charged in connection with the plot.
According to the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office, the girls were in the early stages of planning their attack, which reportedly included intentions to place pipe bombs around the school and use firearms to target students and staff during the chaos. The FBI described their intentions as a "mass casualty attack," highlighting the seriousness of the situation.
In response to the threats, the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office assured the community that there is currently no ongoing threat. They emphasized their commitment to ensuring the safety of students, parents, and school staff, implementing additional security measures, and working closely with educational authorities.
The incident has raised concerns among residents, prompting officials to reassure the community of their proactive measures to maintain a safe environment in schools. The quick response from law enforcement has been pivotal in averting a potential tragedy, underscoring the importance of vigilance and prompt reporting in preventing violence in educational settings.