An Indiana high school senior has been arrested after allegedly plotting a Valentine’s Day mass shooting at her school, inspired by the 2018 Parkland massacre.
Trinity Shockley, 18, was taken into custody on Thursday and is facing charges of conspiracy to commit murder, intimidation, and conspiracy to commit intimidation. She is being held without bond in the Morgan County Jail.
According to court documents, the FBI’s Sandy Hook Promise Say Something Anonymous Reporting System tipped off local authorities after a source reported that Shockley had access to an AR-15 rifle and had just ordered a bulletproof vest. The informant, a friend of Shockley’s, also provided Snapchat messages where she allegedly referred to her plan as “Parkland part two” and said, “I’ve been planning this for a YEAR.”
Authorities say Shockley, a student at Mooresville High School, was obsessed with mass murderers, including Nikolas Cruz, the Parkland shooter, and Dylann Roof, who killed nine Black churchgoers in 2015. A search of her home revealed photos of these killers on her bedroom wall, along with an AR-15 magazine, ammunition, and a tactical vest.
Investigators also found disturbing diary entries where she expressed violent urges, writing, “These thoughts won’t stop. I want to hurt others. All of the time!” Officials say her backpack and laptop wallpaper were decorated with images of mass shooters, and she wore buttons featuring their faces.
Shockley allegedly told investigators she was “joking” about the attack and denied having access to a firearm. However, authorities say her social media posts painted a different picture, with threats of violence and admiration for mass murderers.
Mooresville High School has confirmed that Shockley will not return to campus. Officials also revealed that she had sought mental health counseling for years but that her father allegedly denied her access to treatment, dismissing her concerns.
Authorities credit the anonymous tipster and FBI program with preventing what could have been a tragic attack. Shockley remains in custody, and a court date has yet to be set.
