UPDATE: Aug. 21, 2014: It appears that the two boys suspected of plotting a mass shooting at their high school had shared their plans with another boy. On Saturday, they then threatened to kill him, according to the Associated Press.

SOUTH PASADENA, Calif. – Police arrested two teenage boys on Monday for planning to kill three teachers and then shoot as many students as possible at South Pasadena High School.

School officials reported their suspicions about the pair to law enforcement on Thursday, and the suspects, who were incoming seniors, had been under surveillance since then, according to the Pasadena Star News. It was not reported how school officials became aware of the alleged plot.

“This is a prime example of school officials recognizing suspicious behavior,” South Pasadena Police Department Sgt. Brian Solinsky said in a statement. “It was this information that helped prevent a horrific tragedy.”

He did not provide details of the plot but said the suspects’ plans were specific and included named targets, according to the Los Angeles Register. Three teachers and two students were specifically named. A date for the attack was not set, but law enforcement officials believe the two teens planned to carry out the attack, reports NBC Los Angeles.

Police did not find guns at the boys’ homes but did discover the pair had been conducting research online, including how to use rifles, handguns, submachine guns and explosives, as well as how to obtain ballistic vests.

The suspects have been charged with conspiracy and making criminal threats.

Stay up to date on the latest security news with Campus Safety’s editorial newsletter

If you appreciated this article and want to receive more valuable industry content like this, click here to sign up for our FREE digital newsletters!

Related Content