Two teenage girls in Texas are in custody after the FBI and local police disrupted a potential "mass casualty" attack targeting Memorial High School in Harris County. The girls, aged 15 and 16, allegedly planned to use pipe bombs and guns in the attack, according to law enforcement sources. The FBI learned of the threats on Tuesday (February 18) and quickly coordinated with local authorities, including the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office and Spring Branch Independent School District Police Department, to locate the girls. Within 30 minutes, both were found and taken into custody.
Spring Branch ISD Police Chief Larry Baimbridge praised the swift action, stating, "This is a perfect example of state and federal law enforcement working together." FBI Houston spokesman Connor Hagan emphasized the importance of partnerships in preventing such threats, noting, "This type of situation is exactly why the FBI exists."
The 16-year-old, a student at Memorial High School, faces charges of making a terroristic threat. The 15-year-old is held on an unrelated charge in Montgomery County. No weapons or bomb-making materials were found, but investigations continue in both counties.
This incident follows a similar case in Indiana, where the FBI helped prevent a potential school shooting. The FBI's Threat Mitigation Team works daily with local agencies to address such threats and ensure community safety.