Crime
Schenectady Police Arrest 13-Year-Old in Connection with TikTok Threat
SCHENECTADY, N.Y. – On the morning of March 12, 2025, detectives from the Schenectady Police Department were alerted by the FBI regarding an online school shooting threat posted in the comments section of TikTok.
While the threat did not specify any particular individuals or schools within the district, investigators traced the IP address to a residence within the City of Schenectady.
Officers promptly responded to the identified location, where they made contact with a 13-year-old female who was determined to be the individual responsible for posting the threat.
A thorough search of the residence revealed no weapons.
The juvenile was taken into custody and brought to the department’s Youth Aid Bureau, where she was formally charged with:
The Schenectady Police Department has been in continuous communication with the City of Schenectady School District since the investigation began.
At this time, no additional threats have been identified.
Due to the suspect’s age, no further identifying information will be released.
The investigation remains ongoing.
STATE COLLEGE, PA — A 20-year-old Pennsylvania man remains in custody after being accused of plotting a mass shooting at State College High School, scheduled to coincide with the anniversary of the 1999 Columbine High School massacre.
According to a criminal complaint filed by State College Police, Braeden Phillips allegedly planned to carry out the attack on April 21 — one day after the 26th anniversary of the Columbine shooting, in which two students killed 13 people and wounded more than 20 others before taking their own lives.
Phillips is charged with conspiracy to commit murder and unlawful possession of a firearm. He is being held without bond at the Centre County Correctional Facility, where court documents state he is considered an “extreme danger to the community.”
No attorney was listed in court records to represent him at this time.
Authorities allege that Phillips had created a detailed plan for the attack, which was to begin at approximately 8:40 a.m., a time when school hallways are heavily trafficked by students and staff.
The complaint states that Phillips intended to carry out the shooting near the school’s main staircase and had also planned to place explosives in school bathrooms.
Police say Phillips compiled a “hit list” and discussed the plot with several individuals. One juvenile acquaintance allegedly told investigators he had been recruited to participate in the attack.
The investigation was initiated after staff at a Centre County youth center reported disturbing information shared by another resident.
Police then conducted interviews with Phillips’ friends and acquaintances, several of whom stated he had described the planned shooting in detail and had shown them a firearm.
When questioned about Phillips’ motives, one friend reportedly told officers that Phillips expressed resentment toward the school, saying it had “failed him” and “did not serve his educational needs.”
Phillips allegedly selected April 21 for the attack because April 20 — the actual date of the Columbine massacre — falls on a Sunday this year, when school would not be in session.
State College Police commended the actions of the youth center staff and emphasized the importance of community vigilance.
“This investigation underscores the critical role that the public plays in helping law enforcement prevent violence,” the department said in a statement. “We are grateful for the citizen who spoke up. This is a powerful reminder that if you see something, say something.”
Phillips is scheduled to appear in court for a preliminary hearing on Wednesday. Authorities continue to investigate whether any other individuals were involved in the alleged plot.