WA middle schoolers arrested after police investigate school shooting threat

Two eighth-grade girls are facing criminal charges after police rapidly responded to a report of a threatened school shooting at a middle school on Wednesday.

According to the Ellensburg Police Department, on March 18 police heard reports from two students at Morgan Middle School about a threat of violence. Police said two eighth-grade female students were removed from the school while police investigated.

According to EPD officials, their investigation found the two students had been planning a school shooting. Police said the plan was not carried out partly because the students did not have access to firearms. Police said the students were arrested and are being referred for charges of conspiracy to commit murder.

Ellensburg police thanked the students who reported the threat, saying that reporting concerns early is essential in preventing violence. Police said they worked closely with the school district throughout the incident, and said they are confident the district is acting in the best interests of student safety.

Read more: Apple Valley News Now