The Lorena Police Department arrested a high school student Thursday for allegedly making threats of a "Columbine-style" attack on social media.
The 17-year-old male student at Lorena High School threatened to shoot a list of people, the school principal, any police who attempt to stop the attack and anyone not on the list, according to an arrest affidavit. Police Chief Tom Dickson said the threat was taken as a "Columbine-style" attack due to the comments that were made in the message.
The threat made at approximately 11:30 a.m. stated that the student and "a few homies" planned to plant some C4 sticky booms all over Lorena High School, and that suspect would block all entrances to continue "till that school is a pile of bricks and dead [bodies]," according to the affidavit.
The suspect told police he made the threat on Instagram in hopes that school would be canceled on Friday, Sept. 24, according to Chief Dickson.
The police department and school district increased safety measures and police presence on campuses Friday. Police requested emergency records from the social media platform and were able to locate the name, number, and email address of the account's owner. The suspect was also following the account that made the threat.
"We are continuing to investigate and at this time we believe there is no credible threats toward the schools, staff or any students," said Dickson. "Rest assured that your child’s safety and the safety of school staff is our top priority!"
The student remained in McLennan County Jail as of 4:05 p.m. Friday with no bond posted at this time, according to Chief Dickson.
