California student arrested for alleged school shooting plot

An 18-year-old student from Eastvale, California, named Sebastian Villasenor, was charged with five counts of attempted murder and one count of attempting to make criminal threats for reportedly planning to carry out a school shooting at Ontario Christian High School. 

¿What do the police say?

The San Bernardino County District Attorney's Office revealed that Villasenor was found with an arsenal of weapons at his home after a classmate raised concerns about his fixation on school shootings and his access to firearms. The police chief, Michael Lorenz, stated that Villasenor had extensively researched school shootings and tactical supplies, as well as the response time of law enforcement.

Although he did not have a specific "hit list," authorities believe he was targeting five students and had considered a sixth victim based on his social interactions. Investigators also determined that Villasenor was not bullied or harassed but had difficulties forming relationships with other students. The police believe that he may have been planning the attack around April 20, the anniversary of the Columbine High School shooting in 1999.

The school's principal expressed gratitude for the classmate who reported Villasenor's concerning behavior, as well as for the law enforcement's intervention. Villasenor remains in custody, and it is yet unclear whether he has legal representation. The authorities anticipate his arraignment scheduled for Thursday.