Mass shooting is foiled at a Florida school as two teenagers are arrested over plot to kill their classmates 

  • The boys aged 13 and 14 were reportedly planning the massacre for January 27
  • Some students had been warned not to come to school that day
  • Police searched the boys homes and found firearms at both of their houses 

By Hannah Al-othman For Mailonline

Published: 06:04 EST, 27 January 2017 | Updated: 06:05 EST, 27 January 2017

Two students have been arrested for allegedly plotting a 'Columbine-style' mass shooting at their middle school.

The teens – boys aged 13 and 14 – were reportedly planning the massacre for January 27 at The Villages Charter Middle School in Florida. 

Witnesses told authorities that some students had been warned not to come to school that day, when the teens were reportedly planning to shoot 'anyone who was not wearing a white t-shirt.' 

The boys, who are not being named due to their ages, were arrested on January 25 when deputies executed search warrants and raided their homes. 

Although no weapons were found on the boys, or in their bags or lockers, firearms were found at both the suspects’ homes, police said.

Officers first detained the 13-year-old student alleged to have been plotting the attack. 

Police said he acknowledged having conversations involving the plot, and made reference to the 1999 mass shooting at Columbine High School, MyNews13 reports.

During the interview, deputies learned the 14-year-old had also potentially been involved in the plot. 

The teens told police they had discussed the 1999 Columbine High School massacre

The second pupil was arrested and also acknowledged the conversations referencing Columbine, police said. 

The teens were charged with conspiracy to commit murder and were detained by the Department of Juvenile Justice.

School staff became aware of the alleged plot after they heard other students discussing it in the hallways, Fox News reports.

The Sumter County Sheriff’s Office told WFLA-TV that police are grateful to the students brave enough to speak out about the plot. 

Officers said there would be an increased deputy presence at the school on Friday, but they were not anticipating any further arrests.

 

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