School shooting plot foiled after FBI finds threats on social media, police say
Investigators believe there is no ongoing threat to Cherokee High School
Three people, including two juveniles, have been arrested after police say they foiled a conspiracy to carry out a school shooting in Georgia.
Shane Keith Taylor, 17, of Metter, Georgia; Michael Brandon Terry, 21, of Chatsworth, California; and a third unnamed minor of Canton, Georgia, were arrested and charged with conspiracy to commit murder, the Canton Police Department announced Tuesday.
Investigators began looking into the alleged conspiracy after the FBI identified threatening social media posts and notified Cherokee County School District Police. School district police then contacted the Canton Police Department on Oct. 19, according to the department.
Investigators identified an unnamed juvenile connected to the threats and arrested them on Oct. 20, officials said. They have also been charged with disruption or interference with the operation of public schools, police said.
Police arrested the two other suspects on Oct. 23.
Taylor was transported to the Cherokee County Adult Detention Center, while Terry is awaiting transport to the detention center, according to police.
Firearms, ammunition and electronic devices were collected as evidence during the investigation, according to police.
Police said they are withholding certain details, including information about the evidence and the juvenile's identity, to "protect the integrity of the investigation and comply with applicable legal requirements."
Investigators believe there is no ongoing threat to Cherokee High School or any other Cherokee County School.
"The safety of our students and school staff is a top priority, and we take every threat seriously," Canton Police Chief Marty Ferrell said in a statement Tuesday. "I appreciate the quick action of our law enforcement partners and the dedication of our detectives in identifying and arresting the suspects."
The investigation remains active, according to police.
"The Canton Police Department encourages parents to teach their children the importance of reporting threats and urges anyone who becomes aware of a threat to report it to law enforcement," police said in a statement.
Anyone with information related to this investigation is encouraged to contact the Canton Police Department at 770-720-4883 or submit a tip to the FBI at tips.fbi.gov. Call 911 to report an immediate emergency.
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