2 Teen Girls Accused of Plotting Shooting at California High School
Two 15-year-old girls are in custody in Southern California after police say they spent months planning a mass shooting at a local high school, a plot investigators say was stopped before anyone was hurt.
The girls were arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to commit murder over an alleged plan to attack Corona High School in Corona, California, a Riverside County school that serves more than 2,000 students, ABC News reported. Corona police announced the arrests on Tuesday.
How Investigators Found Out
The investigation began on Oct. 6, when the FBI alerted the Corona Police Department and the Riverside County Sheriff's Office to social media messages that suggested a possible threat against the school.
Detectives first arrested a 15-year-old girl who attends Corona High. After searching several homes in Riverside County and reviewing electronic devices, online accounts and messages, they arrested a second 15-year-old girl, who attends nearby Norco High School.
FBI Director Kash Patel said the investigation disrupted "a potential act of targeted violence" before anyone was harmed, Law Commentary reported. "Threats against our schools will be met with the full force of the FBI and our partners," Patel added. In a separate post, he wrote, "Protecting our kids is NON-NEGOTIABLE."
What Police Say They Found
According to police, search warrants showed the two girls had spent several months researching past school shootings and discussing how to carry out an attack at Corona High.
"Communications showed the suspects discussed methods to obtain weapons, but had not yet been able to do so," police said in a statement. No weapons were found during the searches of their homes.
Police have not said when the alleged attack was supposed to happen, who the intended targets were or what the motive may have been. The girls have not been publicly identified because they are minors.
Federal agents worked with Corona police, the Riverside County Sheriff's Office and the Corona-Norco Unified School District on the case.
What Happens Next
Both girls remain in custody while the Riverside County District Attorney's Office reviews the case. Prosecutors have not yet announced a charging decision.
Because the girls were 15 at the time of the alleged conduct, their cases are expected to stay in California's juvenile justice system. State law generally allows a case to be moved to adult court only for offenses committed at age 16 or older, with narrow exceptions.
To prove conspiracy to commit murder in California, prosecutors must show that at least two people agreed to commit murder, intended to do so and that at least one of them took a step toward carrying out the plan. That step does not have to involve getting a weapon.
A Rare Case
Cases involving girls accused of planning school shootings are uncommon. Only about 3% of school shootings involve female shooters, according to NPR research cited in the report.
The arrests come as communities across the country remain on edge over school violence. Just last week, a shooting at an Oregon elementary school left three children and a teacher dead. In August 2025, two children were killed in a Minneapolis school shooting.
How to Report a Threat
In this case, investigators were alerted to threats posted on social media. Police urged parents and students to report any suspicious activity or concerning statements right away. Tips about possible threats can also be submitted to the FBI online at tips.fbi.gov or by calling 1-800-CALL-FBI. Many schools and local police departments also offer anonymous tip lines.
The investigation into the Corona plot is ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to contact Corona Police Detective Edwards at 951-279-3656 or george.edwards@coronaca.gov.
Curious for more stories that keep you informed and entertained? From the latest headlines to everyday insights, YourLifeBuzz has more to explore. Dive into what’s next.