Teenage Girls Arrested in Foiled School Bombing Plot

HEDWIG VILLAGE, Texas — Two teenage girls were arrested Tuesday afternoon for allegedly plotting a mass casualty attack using pipe bombs and firearms at Memorial High School, according to authorities.

The suspects, aged 15 and 16, were apprehended within 30 minutes after law enforcement received a credible tip regarding the threat. The Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that online threats led to the joint operation, which involved the FBI, the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office, and Spring Branch ISD Police Department.

Spring Branch ISD Police Chief Larry Baimbridge noted that the two students were in the early stages of planning their attack. “We received credible information from the FBI about potential threats to students at Memorial High School, which allowed us to act quickly,” said Baimbridge.

The 16-year-old suspect, who was attending an alternative school due to previous academic struggles, has been charged with making a terroristic threat, a third-degree felony. She is currently held in Harris County. The second suspect, a 15-year-old girl from Willis High School, faces unrelated charges and has not yet been charged in the current investigation.

Although the investigation indicates serious intent, no weapons or bomb-making materials have been recovered, according to the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office. The sheriff’s office emphasized that there is no ongoing threat to the community. “The safety and security of our schools and community remain our highest priority,” a spokesperson stated.

Parents of students at Memorial High School have not been officially notified of the arrests. Reports indicate some students were unaware of the situation as they headed home, raising concerns about communication channels in response to such threats.

“This type of situation is exactly why the FBI exists,” said Connor Hagan, an FBI Houston spokesman. Hagan lauded the rapid response from local law enforcement, stating, “We were able to take troubling information, conduct a rapid investigation, and ultimately save lives of innocent students.”

Authorities have urged the public to remain vigilant and to report any suspicious activity. They also stressed the importance of collaboration across various law enforcement agencies to ensure school safety.

The FBI and local police are continuing their investigation into the planned attack, with updates promised as new information becomes available.