Authorities in Indiana have arrested a transgender high school student accused of plotting a mass shooting at Mooresville High School, just outside Indianapolis, on Valentine’s Day.
Mooresville Metropolitan Police detectives received a tip from the FBI on Tuesday evening regarding a potential threat. The suspect, identified as 18-year-old Trinity J. Shockley, was taken into custody following a coordinated investigation involving local law enforcement agencies.
Police say Shockley planned to carry out the attack on Friday and had made alarming statements in online chats. Investigators discovered that Shockley had referenced the Parkland school shooting, allegedly calling the plan “Parkland part two.” The tip that led to Shockley’s arrest originated from the Sandy Hook Tip Line.
The Morgan County Prosecutor’s Office has charged Shockley with plotting to commit murder and intimidation, citing a threat to commit terrorism. Shockley is being held without bond at the Morgan County Jail.
Court records reveal that Shockley had an obsession with convicted mass shooters, including Parkland gunman Nicolas Cruz and Charleston church shooter Dylann Roof. Investigators also noted that Shockley had repeatedly attempted to seek mental health treatment since freshman year but was denied access by a parent who reportedly did not believe in mental health care.
Authorities continue to investigate the case, but they emphasize that the swift response from law enforcement prevented a potential tragedy.
The FBI said in a statement, “FBI Indianapolis received a tip regarding a potential school shooting threat targeting Mooresville High School for Friday, February 14.FBI agents swiftly coordinated with the Mooresville Metropolitan Police Department (MMPD) to assess the credibility of the threat. Investigators successfully identified the individual, ensuring a rapid and coordinated response to mitigate any potential risk to the community.”
