The man accused of plotting a since-thwarted mass attack at State College Area High School planned to use guns and explosive devices during a high-traffic morning period later in April, according to State College police.
Braeden Phillips, 20, was planning the school shooting, possibly with a juvenile who police did not name, to occur on April 21, a day after the 26th anniversary of the Columbine High School shooting in Colorado that left 16 people dead, according to an affidavit of probable cause.
Phillips, a former State College resident who now resides in Milroy, was taken into custody and arraigned Saturday on charges of conspiracy to commit murder and unlawful possession of a firearm. He was arraigned on Saturday morning by District Judge Casey McClain, who denied bail, citing “extreme danger to the community.”
After a concerned resident reported a planned school shooting, State College police spoke to witnesses who said Phillips had discussed the attack, according to the affidavit.
Phillips told at least two people that he and the juvenile plotted for the shooting to occur on April 20, the anniversary of the Columbine attack, but because that is a Sunday they changed it to April 21, police wrote.
Phillips allegedly told witnesses that the shooting would take place at the main staircase of the high school during what police described as a “high traffic transitional time for students and staff” in the morning, and that he planned to place “bombs” in the restrooms.
Witnesses said that Phillips spoke of a “hit list containing the names of multiple targeted individuals,” and he was seen in possession of a Glock style handgun on two occasions, police wrote.
One witness told police that Phillips stated “the school did not serve his educational needs and failed him,” according to the affidavit.
A search warrant was executed on Phillips’ residence on Friday and he was taken into custody.
School district officials said that though the plot had been foiled and there was no active threat against any SCASD schools, additional security measures were put in place at the high school campus on Monday.
An additional police presence was on hand throughout the district and metal detectors were placed at the entrances to the high school and the Delta building. Students were also required to show school ID before entering.
The measures resulted in long lines and classes were delayed by about an hour, but otherwise no issues were reported, Superintendent Curtis Johnson wrote in an email to families. The enhanced security measures will remain in place on Tuesday.
Police and school administrators credited the resident who notified them about the alleged shooting plans.
“The situation serves as a powerful reminder of the impact an individual can make,” Johnson wrote on Sunday. “The investigation began, and a planned attack was ultimately thwarted, because someone stepped forward and shared their concerns. As the State College police highlighted [Saturday], if you see something, say something. We are profoundly grateful to this individual for their courage, and we encourage everyone to follow their example in the future.”
Anyone who may have information related to the investigation is asked to contact State College police at (814) 234-7150, by email to police@statecollegepa.us or by submitting an anonymous tip online.
