Crime
Braeden Phillips in Custody for Allegedly Plotting Mass Shooting at State College High School
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.
City of Hammond, Louisiana — At approximately 11:50 p.m. on February 24, 2026, officers with the Hammond Police Department responded to a report of shots fired involving one possible victim.
Upon arrival, officers located a 14-year-old juvenile female, identified as Tyronai Reed, suffering from an apparent gunshot wound.
Emergency medical assistance was rendered at the scene, and she was transported to North Oaks Health System for treatment.
Despite life-saving efforts, Reed later succumbed to her injuries.
Detectives assigned to the department’s Criminal Investigations Division launched an immediate homicide investigation.
During the course of their investigation, authorities identified 18-year-old Demontez Treyvon “Trey” Robinson of Hammond as a suspect in the shooting.
While actively working the case, officers observed a vehicle traveling at a high rate of speed and conducted a traffic stop.
Robinson was identified as the driver of the vehicle and was taken into custody without incident.
Robinson was transported to the Criminal Investigations Division for questioning. According to investigators, Robinson admitted that the firearm discharged while he was handling or “playing with” it, resulting in the single round striking the 14-year-old victim.
Robinson was subsequently booked into the Hammond City Jail on one count of Negligent Homicide.
Authorities emphasize that the investigation remains in its early stages and additional details may be released as they become available.
Anyone with information related to this incident is encouraged to contact Detective Corey Morse with the Hammond Police Department Criminal Investigations Division at 985-277-5758 or via email at morse_cm@hammond.org. Tips may also be submitted through the department’s official Facebook page or anonymously through Crime Stoppers of Tangipahoa at 1-800-554-5245.
Individuals providing information may be eligible for a cash reward. Authorities urge members of the community to assist in the ongoing investigation.