Two 15-year-old girls have been arrested after investigators uncovered what authorities described as an alleged plot to attack Corona High School in Southern California.
The students, one from Corona High School and the other from Norco High School, are accused of spending months researching school shootings and discussing how they might carry out an attack at the Corona campus on an unspecified future date.
The investigation began on October 6, when the FBI alerted the Corona Police Department to online social media communications relating to a possible threat. Officers then arrested the Corona student, according to police. ([coronaca.gov](https://www.coronaca.gov/news/investigation-leads-to-two-arrests-in-school-threat-case?utm_source=openai))
Detectives subsequently obtained search warrants for electronic devices, communications and several homes in Riverside County. Those searches led investigators to identify the second suspect, who was also taken into custody.
Police said the evidence indicated that the teenagers had discussed ways of obtaining weapons. However, neither had acquired a firearm and no weapons were found during the searches, authorities said. ([coronaca.gov](https://www.coronaca.gov/news/investigation-leads-to-two-arrests-in-school-threat-case?utm_source=openai))
Both girls remain in custody on suspicion of conspiracy to commit murder. The Riverside County District Attorney’s Office is reviewing the case, and no formal court proceedings have yet been detailed.
Investigation involved FBI and local authorities
The inquiry is being conducted by the Corona Police Department in partnership with the FBI, the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office and the Corona-Norco Unified School District, police said.
Authorities have not disclosed which online platforms were used, nor have they released a specific intended date for the alleged attack. They have also not set out how the suspects allegedly planned to obtain weapons.
FBI Director Kash Patel said the investigation had prevented a potential act of violence before anyone was injured, praising the work of agents and local officers.
“After the FBI identified online communications discussing a planned school attack, our Los Angeles Field Office moved immediately, identified those involved, and worked hand in hand with local law enforcement to take action,” he said, according to a statement reported by Fox 11.
Patel added that protecting children remained a priority and said threats against schools would be met with the full force of federal and local law enforcement.
The Corona Police Department urged parents and pupils to report concerning online activity or statements that might indicate a threat as the investigation continues.
