Dallas, TX – In a dramatic and disturbing development, federal law enforcement officials have arrested two teenage girls for allegedly plotting to execute a mass casualty attack on a Texas high school. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), in conjunction with state and local authorities, confirmed that the two minors were apprehended following a months-long investigation into their plans to use firearms and improvised explosive devices (IEDs) to carry out the attack. The arrest marks a significant breakthrough in domestic terrorism investigations, highlighting the evolving threat landscape where even minors are being drawn into extremist activities.
Details of the Plot
The investigation began in early 2024 after an anonymous tip alerted authorities to suspicious communications involving potential plans for a large-scale attack on a high school in a suburban area of Texas. Federal agents, using advanced surveillance and cyber forensics, monitored the digital communications between the two teenage girls. These intercepted messages revealed detailed discussions regarding target selection, procurement of firearms, and assembly of explosive devices. The conversations also included references to “mass casualties” and “making a statement,” which ultimately raised red flags among investigators.
According to the unsealed indictment, the girls had meticulously planned the attack over several months. They discussed obtaining specific types of ammunition, identifying potential high-traffic areas within the school, and coordinating their actions to maximize the intended impact. The indictment further alleges that the plotters had scouted the school’s layout and security measures to determine the most vulnerable entry points and assembly areas for their attack.
Investigation and Arrest
The breakthrough came when federal agents, acting on the anonymous tip, initiated a covert surveillance operation targeting the girls’ known hangouts and online communications. The investigation revealed that they had stockpiled small arms and bomb-making components at a rented storage unit near their school. Law enforcement officials from the FBI and local police conducted several undercover operations to gather sufficient evidence to support the charges.
On the evening of February 23, 2025, a coordinated raid was executed by a joint task force comprising FBI, Texas state police, and local law enforcement units. The operation resulted in the arrest of the two minors without any injury. During the raid, agents confiscated several firearms, including handguns and a rifle, as well as components suspected to be used for constructing explosive devices. Digital devices and notebooks containing detailed plans and sketches of the high school were also seized, corroborating the evidence obtained from intercepted communications.
FBI Director James Caldwell commented, “The prompt actions of our task force and the collaboration between federal and local law enforcement have prevented what could have been a devastating tragedy. This case underscores that the threat of domestic terrorism can come from unexpected quarters, and no age group is exempt from radicalization.”
Charges and Legal Implications
The two teenage girls are facing a range of serious federal charges. The indictment outlines the following offenses:
-
Conspiracy to Commit Terrorism: The girls are accused of conspiring to execute a mass casualty attack, a charge that, if proven, could carry a sentence of life imprisonment or, in some cases, the death penalty for adults. Although the defendants are minors, prosecutors are considering whether they can be tried as adults given the severity of the plot.
-
Attempted Terrorism: The charges include allegations of attempted terrorism, indicating that the girls took substantial steps toward carrying out their plan.
-
Possession of a Firearm by a Minor: Given that one or more firearms were involved in the planning, this charge reflects the federal prohibition against minors possessing firearms.
-
Attempted Use of Explosive Devices: The indictment also alleges that the girls gathered materials intended for constructing improvised explosive devices, which they planned to use to cause mass casualties.
Legal experts note that while the minors’ age may afford them some leniency under juvenile justice guidelines, the extraordinary nature of these charges could result in their being tried as adults. If convicted, the potential penalties are severe. Conspiracy and attempted terrorism charges can carry sentences of up to 20 years or more for each count, and the use of explosives in a terror-related plot could lead to significantly longer sentences.
Defense attorneys for the accused have indicated that they will seek to argue that the minors were influenced by external factors, such as extremist online content and peer pressure, and that they lacked the full capacity to understand the consequences of their actions. However, federal prosecutors remain firm in their position that the crimes planned were of such gravity that they warrant the maximum punishment under the law.
Public and Community Response
News of the arrests has ignited a mix of shock, disbelief, and concern among parents, educators, and community leaders throughout Texas. The targeted high school, known for its diverse student body and robust academic programs, is now under heightened security as local authorities review and strengthen their safety protocols. School officials have issued statements urging calm and emphasizing that the incident has been contained thanks to swift law enforcement action.
Community leaders have also called for increased vigilance and proactive measures to prevent radicalization among youth. “This case is a heartbreaking reminder that we must do more to protect our children from exposure to extremist ideologies,” said Maria Gonzales, a local community advocate. “We need comprehensive strategies that involve parents, educators, and law enforcement to detect and address signs of radicalization before they escalate into violence.”
Impact on National Security and Policy
The arrest of these minors has broader implications for national security, highlighting a concerning trend where young people are increasingly susceptible to radicalization via online platforms. Federal authorities have reported a surge in the consumption of extremist content among teenagers, raising alarms about the potential for similar incidents in the future.
In response, policymakers are advocating for enhanced cybersecurity measures, stricter controls on extremist content online, and improved mental health and counter-radicalization programs in schools. Lawmakers from both parties have pledged to review current policies and propose new legislation aimed at curbing the influence of online extremism on youth.
FBI Director Caldwell stated, “This incident is not just an isolated case—it is a signal that our nation must take stronger, more proactive steps to combat the radicalization of young individuals. Our commitment to protecting the public extends to ensuring that our children are shielded from the harmful effects of extremist propaganda.”
Ongoing Investigation and Future Developments
The investigation into the plot is ongoing, and federal authorities are continuing to review all evidence, including digital communications, financial records, and witness testimonies. Investigators are also examining whether the plot was part of a larger network of radicalized individuals or an isolated incident. The case serves as a reminder that the threat of domestic terrorism is multifaceted and that vigilance is required at all levels.
Law enforcement agencies have urged anyone with information related to the case to come forward. A dedicated hotline has been established to ensure that tips are handled confidentially, and authorities emphasize that community involvement is essential to preventing future tragedies.
Conclusion
The arrest of two teenage girls for plotting a mass casualty attack on a Texas high school marks a significant development in the nation’s ongoing battle against domestic terrorism. The detailed indictment, which includes charges of conspiracy to commit terrorism, attempted use of explosive devices, and possession of firearms by minors, underscores the severity of the threat and the critical need for robust preventive measures. As the legal process unfolds, the case will undoubtedly have far-reaching implications for national security policy, community safety, and the strategies used to counter the radicalization of youth.
References
- Fox News. (2025, February 11). Undercover operation leads to arrest of teenage plotters in Texas. Retrieved from https://www.foxnews.com
- The New York Post. (2025, February 12). Two teens arrested for plotting mass casualty attack on Texas high school. Retrieved from https://nypost.com
- NBC News. (2025, February 11). FBI apprehends minors in plot to bomb Texas high school. Retrieved from https://www.nbcnews.com