US teen charged with plotting Valentine's Day massacre, inspired by Parkland shooter
An Indiana teen, Trinity Shockley, has been charged with conspiracy to commit murder and terrorism-related offenses after allegedly plotting a mass shooting at her school on Valentine's Day.
The 18-year-old, who prefers to be called Jamie, is accused of being fixated on Nikolas Cruz, the gunman responsible for the Parkland, Florida, school massacre in 2018, which killed 17 people.
Shockley, a senior at Mooresville High School, was arrested following a tip to the Sandy Hook tip line, which led to an investigation revealing disturbing plans to carry out a mass shooting.
According to authorities, Shockley had been grieving her mother's recent death and had faced bullying after a tragic accident involving a drunk driver. These personal struggles, along with her obsession with mass shooters, fueled her violent intentions.
The investigation was a collaboration between local police, the FBI, and an anonymous tipster, who reported Shockley's access to weapons and her admiration for Cruz.
Authorities discovered messages Shockley had sent planning the attack, including one that referenced 'Parkland part two,' and evidence of her admiration for Cruz, including a necklace with his photo. Shockley's home was searched, where investigators found notebooks, disturbing messages, and evidence of further fixation on mass shootings.
Shockley was arrested and remains in the Morgan County Jail without bond. The community of Mooresville, a small town near Indianapolis, was left in shock by the news of the alleged plot.
Mooresville Schools Superintendent Jake Allen praised the swift actions of law enforcement, saying their response prevented a potential tragedy.
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