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Tennessee Teen Gamer Alerts Authorities, Prevents Planned Mass School Attack in California

Two Tehama County teens remain in custody after plotting to attack their middle school with explosives and firearms, thanks to a tip provided by an online acquaintance.

File photo of a young man gaming, taken at the Comic Con festival, in Moscow, Russia, 2019.

Overview

  • A Tennessee teenager reported disturbing online chat messages on May 9, leading authorities to uncover a mass casualty plot targeting Evergreen Middle School in Cottonwood, California.
  • Tehama County investigators arrested two teens, aged 14 and 15, who had built and tested improvised explosive devices and planned to kill more than 100 people.
  • Search warrants executed at the suspects' homes revealed explosives, firearms, and a manifesto outlining their intentions; the teens also posed as Columbine shooters in photos.
  • Prosecutors are weighing additional charges of conspiracy to commit mass murder alongside existing charges of criminal threats and manufacturing destructive devices.
  • Authorities have increased security at the targeted school and highlighted the critical role of community vigilance in thwarting potential acts of violence.