HOUSTON, Texas — Authorities have arrested two teenage girls in connection with what the FBI describes as a “mass casualty attack” plotted against a high school in the Houston area.
Spring Branch Independent School District police believe the suspects were planning to target Memorial High School, located in a Houston suburb, using pipe bombs and firearms to attack students, reports KPRC.
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The two suspects, aged 15 and 16, are both in custody but were detained in separate jurisdictions. One of the girls is a student at Willis High School and was arrested on unrelated charges. The second suspect, enrolled at Spring Branch ISD, is being held in Harris County. Due to their age, authorities have not released the identities of the teens, reports KHOU.
The FBI’s Houston office shared that it first became aware of the alleged mass casualty attack plot through detailed posts on social media, which led investigators to deem the threats credible. On Wednesday, the FBI posted on X (formerly Twitter), “Our Threat Mitigation Team immediately responded to help @houstonpolice & @MCTXSheriff identify and arrest them.”
The 16-year-old suspect has been charged with making a terroristic threat as investigations continue to determine whether further charges will be filed. A motive for the alleged plot has not been uncovered.
Mass Casualty Attack Plot Prompts High School to Increase Security
Spring Branch ISD and local law enforcement have implemented additional security measures at Memorial High School and are working collaboratively to ensure the safety of students and staff.
Authorities are urging the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity.
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The FBI and local law enforcement continue to investigate this matter. Further updates are expected as more details emerge.
Wednesday’s arrest of the Texas teens comes a little more than a week after a female teen in Indiana was arrested for allegedly planning a Valentine’s Day shooting at her high school.
