Days after law enforcement thwarted an alleged plot to carry out a mass shooting at State College Area High School, borough police chief John Gardner on Monday provided a general update on the ongoing investigation and credited the concerned resident whose report helped stop a potentially deadly attack.
“Nothing is too small to report, and it could mean a matter of life and death,” Gardner said at Monday night’s Borough Council meeting.
Braeden Phillips, 20, of Milroy, was charged on Saturday with conspiracy to commit murder and unlawful possession of a firearm. According to an affidavit of probable cause, witnesses said that Phillips, a former State College resident, planned the shooting for a high-traffic transitional period on the morning of April 21 — the day after the 26th anniversary of the Columbine High School massacre and Colorado — and intended to place explosive devices in the restrooms in a coordinated attack.
Phillips was denied bail and his preliminary hearing, originally scheduled for Wednesday, has been continued to April 30 at the request of his attorney.
A juvenile who police did not name was also mentioned by witnesses as possibly being involved in the plot. Gardner did not provide details, and did not mention the juvenile or their status, but said “the investigation is still ongoing and there are some things we are working on.”
“There’s also information floating out there about other participants,” Gardner added. “All those things are being investigated and run down. I can’t go into details there, but we are well aware of all the stories that are out there and individuals that may or may not be linked to that, or there may be a nexus to this case. We continue to follow up on the tips and information as they are received. No tip or information is too small that we’re not going to follow up on it.”
Anyone with information related to the investigation is asked to contact State College police by phone at 814-234-7150, email or by submitting an anonymous tip through the department’s website.
Witnesses also told police that Phillips spoke of a “hit list” containing the names of targeted individuals.
“We’re not prepared to talk about that, but I will say if the police learn of any persons who are at a potential risk, police practice is to notify those persons of the threat and safety plan with them,” Gardner said.
He stressed that the threat was directed at State High specifically, no other schools in the district or elsewhere in the county were impacted, and “there is no current substantiated information of a continuing threat at the high school regarding this incident.”
Borough Council President Evan Myers praised police “for thwarting what might have been an unimaginable threat to our school system.”
Mayor Ezra Nanes, who has two school-aged children, including one who attends the high school, offered similar commendation.
“I also am truly and deeply grateful to the State College Police Department and SCASD administration for thwarting a school shooting that was planned for a week from today,” Nanes said. “…Like many families with their kids in State High, in middle school, any school in the area, it was a very hard day to see your child go off to school.
“I just wanted to acknowledge the pain that everybody’s feeling and again express my gratitude for the professionalism of our police, because it saved lives.”
The school district has had enhanced safety measures in place since Monday “out of caution,” Superintendent Curtis Johnson said. An increased police presence has been on hand at district schools, and metal detectors have been put in place at entrances to the high school and Delta building, with students also required to show school ID before entering.
The additional entrance measures caused long lines on Monday, and class schedules operated on a one-hour delay, but the district otherwise reported no major issues.
Three additional metal detectors from Penn State on Tuesday “significantly expedited our arrival,” with the last students entering the building at 8:55 a.m. as opposed to 9:45 a.m. on Monday, Johnson wrote in a message to families.
“While today’s entry process went faster, we still were not able to start at our regular time of 8:40 a.m.,” Johnson wrote. “Additionally, this entry process required a great deal of support. We are grateful for everyone who has happily stepped up to help, including our bus drivers, teachers, counselors, secretaries, custodians, CEEL site supervisors, food service (breakfasts), administrators, security staff, and local law enforcement agencies, to name a few.”
The detectors will continue to be utilized at least through April 21.
Students who stayed home from school on Monday because of safety concerns will be given an excused absence, Johnson wrote. From Tuesday forward, a parent excuse will be required for absences.
“Looking back on the past two days, I’m truly proud that so many people have pitched in to assist our community,” Johnson wrote. “The caring assistance we have received has made a big difference for our students, employees, and families. I appreciate everyone’s resilience and courage so far, as this incident has affected all of us. I’m confident that, together, we will work through this challenging time because of our community’s incredible strength.”
