• U.S.

Teen Planned Columbine-Style Attack in Minnesota

1 minute read

Police say a tragedy was prevented in Minnesota when officers arrested a local teenager and stopped him from carrying his plans for mass murder.

Investigators say the 17-year-old detailed his plan to them and idolized the Columbine shooters. Originally, the teen planned on executing his attack on the anniversary of the Columbine killings. But becuase the anniversary fell on Easter sunday, the school was not in session.

The teen’s plan was to first kill his family and then set a diversionary fire in the town to distract first responders. While first responders were focused on the fire, he would attack the local high school and middle school.

More Must-Reads from TIME

Contact us at letters@time.com