Two 15-year-old girls have been arrested in connection with an alleged plot to carry out a school shooting at Corona High School in Corona, California, after the FBI flagged alarming online communications. Police say the pair spent several months researching school shootings and discussed how they could attack the school on an unspecified future date, though they had not yet managed to obtain weapons. One of the suspects is a student at Corona High School on W. 10th Street; the other is a student at Norco High School.
TL;DR: Two 15-year-old girls were arrested this month over an alleged plan to attack Corona High School. The FBI tipped off Corona police on Oct. 6 about online posts referencing a possible threat. Officers arrested the first suspect immediately, then identified and arrested the second after search warrants and an investigation. No weapons were found. The case remains under investigation with the FBI, the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office, and the school district.
How the plot was uncovered
According to a news release from the Corona Police Department reported by CBS Los Angeles and KCAL, the department was contacted by the FBI on Oct. 6 after federal investigators identified online social media communications referencing a possible threat at Corona High School.
“A collaborative investigation led to the immediate arrest of a 15-year-old female Corona High School student,” the release said. The news release was shared publicly on Tuesday, Oct. 20.
Months of planning, police say
Corona police detectives executed numerous search warrants for electronic devices and communications and searched multiple residences in Riverside County, according to The American Star News. That work led investigators to the second suspect: a 15-year-old girl who attends Norco High School. She was arrested.
“The evidence obtained showed the two suspects had spent several months researching school shootings and discussed how they could carry out a potential attack at Corona High School on an unspecified future date,” police said. “Communications showed the suspects discussed methods to obtain weapons, but had not yet been able to do so.”
Police said no weapons were discovered at any point during the investigation — an outcome that underscored how early the alleged plot was disrupted, before any attack could be attempted.
Investigation continues
The investigation remains ongoing and is being conducted in collaboration with the FBI, the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office, and the Corona-Norco Unified School District.
“Parents and students are reminded to immediately report anything they see or hear that could be concerning, as awareness plays a vital role in keeping everyone safe,” police said.
The suspects are minors and their names have not been released. All charges are allegations; both are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
Image credit: Corona High School front entrance, courtesy of Corona High School / coronahs.cnusd.k12.ca.us.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was arrested in the Corona High School plot?
Two 15-year-old girls. One is a student at Corona High School in Corona, California; the other is a student at Norco High School. Because they are minors, their names have not been released.
What were they allegedly planning?
According to Corona police, the two suspects spent several months researching school shootings and discussed how they could carry out a potential attack at Corona High School on an unspecified future date.
Did they have weapons?
No. Police said the suspects discussed methods to obtain weapons but had not yet been able to do so, and no weapons were discovered during the investigation.
How did police learn about the plot?
The FBI contacted the Corona Police Department on Oct. 6 after federal investigators identified online social media communications referencing a possible threat at the high school.
When did the arrests happen?
The first arrest — the Corona High School student — happened immediately after the FBI tip in early October. The second suspect was identified through subsequent detective work and arrested later; both arrests were disclosed in a police news release shared Oct. 20.
Which agencies are involved?
The Corona Police Department, the FBI, the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office, and the Corona-Norco Unified School District.
Is the investigation over?
No. Police said the investigation remains ongoing in collaboration with federal, county, and school district partners.
What should parents and students do if they see something concerning?
Corona police urge parents and students to immediately report anything they see or hear that could be concerning, saying awareness plays a vital role in keeping everyone safe.
