A school shooting was planned for State High, police say. Suspect arrested
A 20-year-old man was arrested Friday night after police say he planned a coordinated school shooting at State High for later this month, according to a criminal complaint that also alleged the suspect was planning for incendiary devices.
Braeden Phillips, of Milroy and formerly State College, was arrested on charges of conspiracy to commit murder and for carrying a handgun without a license. Bail was denied at a preliminary arraignment Saturday because District Judge Casey McClain ruled he was an “extreme danger to the community.”
According to the criminal complaint, Phillips — along with, potentially, an unnamed juvenile — planned to execute a school shooting around 8:40 a.m. on Monday, April 21, a day after the 26th anniversary of the Columbine High School massacre. Per the complaint, the event was to take place near the high school’s main staircase, and “bombs” were to be placed inside the school bathrooms.
Police said they were also informed a “hit list,” a term used to identify individuals to be attacked or killed, was also already made.
In a letter Saturday afternoon to the State College community, SCASD Superintendent Curtis Johnson said there was no active threat and school will be held as normal Monday. He also thanked law enforcement for its quick action.
“With the potential threat thwarted, we wish to express our gratitude to our school resource officer, Matt Hertlein, and the State College police for their swift response and coordination to protect our high school community,” Johnson wrote. “School safety is imperative for us, and along with various security measures, the close relationship we have with local law enforcement enables us to maintain a safe environment for our students and staff. It’s times like this when we must rely on their guidance and expertise, and we are grateful for their partnership.”
According to the criminal complaint, State College police first learned of the plans Thursday after a witness came forward with information. Officers then interviewed more witnesses and others aware of the event — a few of whom were unnamed juveniles in the complaint — and Phillips was arrested by Friday night.
“State College Police would like to recognize that the success of this investigation would not have been possible without the initial report made by a concerned citizen,” read a press release from the police department. “This illustrates the importance of ‘see something, say something.’”
Based on the complaint, plans for the April shooting were allegedly formulated as far back as Feb. 20, if not earlier. One witness told police that Phillips had aired grievances about State High, saying the school “failed him.”
The investigation is ongoing, law enforcement officials said. Anyone with information is urged to contact State College police at 814-234-7150, by email or submitting an anonymous tip through the department’s website.
According to State College police, among those who assisted in the investigation were the State College Area School District, the Centre County District Attorney’s Office, the Pennsylvania State Police and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
This story was originally published April 12, 2025 at 4:58 PM.
