MCMINN COUNTY, Tenn. (WVLT) – Two juveniles have been charged after a “possible planned attack” on McMinn County High School students was found Thursday night.
According to McMinn County Sheriff Joe Guy, he received a phone call from a parent of one of the juveniles at around 10:30 p.m. on Thursday after finding something disturbing.
Guy said the parent found a video made in November by his son and another student that implied their planning of a “school-shooting type attack” and naming certain students as possible targets.
“Although the video had been made almost three months ago, statements were made regarding a planned attack with firearms, so of course we felt that the situation demanded quick attention,” Guy said. “I immediately notified School Safety Supervisor Justin Wallace, McMinn High School SRO Sgt. Jeremy Moore and our local Homeland Security Agent.”
Guy said that within an hour, Wallace had spoken with the suspects’ parents and arranged for them to be suspended from school beginning on Friday and scheduled them to undergo threat assessments and evaluations.
Wallace, along with the SROs and Homeland Security agent, reviewed the video, interviewed both suspects, began the investigation and collected evidence on Friday, according to Guy. Additionally, more evidence was found on the student’s phones.
“We are grateful to the parent for notifying law enforcement of the concerning material that prompted our actions and investigation,” said School Safety Supervisor Justin Wallace. “At no point Friday did we believe that our students or staff were in imminent danger, and that is still the case today due to the collaborative efforts of our school administration and law enforcement. School officials have notified the parents of those students who were mentioned as possible targets.”
Wallace went on to say that the district’s established safety protocols worked effectively and resulted in a positive, safe outcome.
As of Sunday, both juveniles, neither of whom were identified, have been charged with conspiracy to commit acts of terrorism and are underdoing psychological evaluations and counseling, Guy said. He added that one is already in custody at the Bradley County Juvenile Detention Center, and the other is completing treatment at a mental health facility and will be transferred to the juvenile detention center upon completion.
Additionally, Guy said their phones and devices have been sent for digital forensic evaluation to see if there is more information that’s related to the planning of the incident.
The investigation has not revealed any other suspects involved in the incident, according to Guy.
