Two adolescent girls suspected of devising an “explosive plot” targeting a high school in the Houston area have been apprehended, authorities disclosed. The individuals, aged 15 and 16, were taken into custody on Tuesday, with their identities being withheld as they are minors. The FBI field office in Houston received intelligence indicating that two underage individuals from the Houston region were allegedly planning a mass casualty attack at a local school. In response, the agency’s Threat Mitigation Team swiftly collaborated with the Houston Police Department and the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office to identify and detain the suspects.
Reportedly, the purported scheme involved the deployment of firearms and the placement of pipe bombs at Memorial High School in the suburban community of Hedwig Village near Houston. The girls were still in the initial stages of formulating the attack when authorities intervened, making arrests within half an hour of being alerted to the threat. Chief Larry Baimbridge of the Spring Branch ISD Police informed media outlets that a confidential source had alerted them to the potential danger, underscoring the critical role of collaborative efforts in ensuring the safety and security of the community.
The 16-year-old suspect had previously attended Memorial High School but was currently enrolled in an alternative educational institution within the district, while the 15-year-old was identified as a student at Willis High School. The Willis Independent School District confirmed their awareness of the incident and expressed gratitude towards the FBI and law enforcement agencies for their swift response in neutralizing the threat. In a released statement, the district emphasized the significance of maintaining vigilance and fostering a culture of safety to safeguard students and staff members from harm.
In response to the incident, the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office implemented heightened security measures at Memorial High School, emphasizing a zero-tolerance policy towards threats of violence within educational settings. The 16-year-old suspect faced charges of making a terroristic threat, classified as a third-degree felony, while the 15-year-old was held in custody on unrelated charges. The collaborative efforts of law enforcement agencies underscore the importance of proactive measures in averting potential harm and ensuring the well-being of students and the broader community.
