Two teenage girls, ages 15 and 16, were arrested Tuesday after the FBI uncovered what they described as a “mass casualty attack” plot targeting Memorial High School in Harris County, Texas. The alleged plan involved the use of pipe bombs and firearms, according to law enforcement sources.
The FBI became aware of the threats on Tuesday and determined they were specific and credible enough to require immediate action. At 2:45 p.m. CST, the agency contacted local law enforcement, including the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office, Harris County authorities, and Spring Branch Independent School District Police Department. Within 30 minutes, both teens had been located and taken into custody, preventing what officials say could have been a deadly attack.
The 16-year-old, a student at Memorial High School, has been charged with making a terroristic threat and remains in custody in Harris County. The 15-year-old suspect is being held in Montgomery County on an unrelated charge. Investigators are still searching for weapons or explosives, though no firearms, bombs, or bomb-making materials have been recovered in Harris County so far.
The arrests come just days after the FBI worked with police in Mooresville, Indiana, to prevent another potential mass school attack.
“This type of situation is exactly why the FBI exists,” said FBI Houston spokesman Connor Hagan, praising the collaboration between local and federal law enforcement.
