Increased Security to Be in Place at State High After Thwarted Attack Plot

State College Area High School will have enhanced security on Monday after police arrested a man they say was planning a deadly attack on the school for later this month.

The State High campus will have an increased police presence and metal detectors will be in place at the high school and Delta buildings, State College Area School District Superintendent Curtis Johnson wrote in a message to families on Sunday.

Counselors also will be on hand throughout the day for students.

Johnson wrote that the additional measures are being undertaken “out of caution.”

“Most importantly, we want to reassure you that our schools remain safe,” Johnson wrote. “Looking ahead to tomorrow, we want to emphasize that law enforcement has found no indication of an active threat against any of our schools.”

Acting on a tip from a concerned citizen, State College police investigated a reported threat against the high school and determined it was legitimate, the department wrote in a news release on Saturday.

Braeden Phillips, 20, of Milroy and formerly of State College, was arrested on charges of conspiracy to commit murder and unlawful possession of a firearm following a search of his residence. He was arraigned on Saturday by District Judge Casey McClain, who denied bail citing “extreme danger to the community.”

Police did not disclose details of the plot and a criminal complaint was not immediately available. WJAC reported that Phillips allegedly planned to use guns and incendiary devices in an attack on April 21, and that he had a “hit list” targeting multiple people.

The Centre County District Attorney’s Office, state police and U.S. Department of Homeland Security also assisted in the investigation.

Echoing statements from police and the school district on Saturday, Johnson’s Sunday message commended the citizen who notified law enforcement.

“The situation serves as a powerful reminder of the impact an individual can make,” Johnson wrote. “The investigation began, and a planned attack was ultimately thwarted, because someone stepped forward and shared their concerns. As the State College police highlighted yesterday, 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 has information related to the investigation is asked to contact State College police by phone at 814-234-7150, by email or by submitting an anonymous tip online.