THE VILLAGES, Fla. (970 WFLA) - A pair of students were arrested in the Villages in Sumter County after authorities said they uncovered a plot to initiate a Columbine-like mass shooting.
The students were arrested at The Villages Charter Middle School when a school resource officer became aware of rumors about the plan.
The shooting was supposed to happen Friday, but classes will continue with added security.
Witnesses indicated that some students had been warned not to come to school on that day.
The 13-year-old student alleged to be planning the attack was intercepted by authorities as he attempted to arrive to school on Wednesday.
He acknowledged conversations involving the plot and referenced the mass shooting at Columbine High School, investigators said.
During the conversation, officials learned of a second student’s potential involvement and located that 14-year-old student on campus.
No weapons were found on either student or in their bags or lockers.
The 14-year-old student also referenced the Columbine shooting and informed officials that the two had planned an attack, which involved what they would use as a signal to open fire.
Authorities arrested both students at their homes on Thursday.
photo credit: WFLA-TV