Two 15-year-old girls have been arrested on suspicion of conspiring to carry out a mass shooting at Corona High School in Riverside County, California, after a months-long investigation into online threats, authorities announced Tuesday.
Corona Police Department officials confirmed the arrests, stating the suspects had allegedly discussed the plot for several months, including researching past school shootings and methods to obtain weapons. No firearms were recovered during searches of their homes or electronic devices, police said. Both teens remain in custody on charges of conspiracy to commit murder, with the case under review by the Riverside County District Attorney’s Office.
The FBI alerted local law enforcement to the alleged threat in early October after detecting social media conversations referencing a potential attack at Corona High School. A collaborative investigation involving the FBI, Riverside County Sheriff’s Office, and the Corona-Norco Unified School District led to the arrests of the two suspects—one a student at Corona High School and the other at Norco High School. Authorities did not disclose specific motives, targeted individuals, or whether the teens had secured weapons.
Investigation Details
FBI Director Kash Patel stated in a release that the alleged plot was disrupted before any harm occurred. "A potential act of targeted violence against a Southern California high school was disrupted before anyone was harmed," Patel said. "There is no greater priority than protecting our kids, and threats against our schools will be met with the full force of the FBI and our partners."
Police emphasized that the investigation remains active, with authorities continuing to examine digital communications and other evidence. The identities of the suspects have not been released due to their age and the ongoing legal process.
School Response
The Corona-Norco Unified School District confirmed it was cooperating with law enforcement but did not provide additional details about potential security measures implemented in response to the alleged threat. The district stated it takes all safety concerns seriously and is working to ensure a secure environment for students and staff.
Legal Proceedings
The two 15-year-olds are being held in juvenile detention pending further court proceedings. The Riverside County DA’s office has not yet filed formal charges, and the timeline for a decision remains unclear. Under California law, juvenile suspects in such cases are typically processed through the juvenile justice system, though specific outcomes depend on the evidence and legal arguments presented.
Authorities urged the public to avoid speculation and refrain from sharing unverified information about the case, noting that the investigation is still ongoing.