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Authorities in Oneida County have revealed more information about a thwarted school shooting plot at Clinton Middle School.. The plan, allegedly devised by three teenagers, was set to occur on Friday (April 17) during lunch in the school cafeteria. According to court documents, the plot involved a 14-year-old girl and two 13-year-olds—a girl and a boy.
The 14-year-old girl reportedly developed an obsession with the 1999 Columbine tragedy and the fictional film "Zero Day," which depicts a school shooting. Her journal entries revealed a desire to make bullies feel her pain and to be remembered in a "disturbing way." Authorities discovered the plot after a parent reported concerning messages on Snapchat.
The 14-year-old allegedly attempted to access firearms by picking a lock at home and planned to obtain guns from a 13-year-old boy, who has been charged with conspiracy in the second degree. Authorities seized 11 firearms from his home. The two girls face charges of aggravated threat of mass harm.
Oneida County Sheriff Robert Maciol stated, "This is the most serious and disturbing case we've encountered." The teenagers have been sent for mental health evaluations, and increased security measures are in place at the school. As the investigation continues, local parents like Phil Allen express concern about school safety and the potential for other students to be involved.
The case is being handled with confidentiality in probation hearings, and an Extreme Risk Protection Order has been filed to prevent the teens from accessing firearms.