By Islam El-Sakka
Three people, including two juveniles, have been arrested for allegedly plotting a shooting at a high school in metro Atlanta, authorities announced Tuesday.
Arrests and charges
The arrests took place on Oct. 20 and 23 in Georgia and California after the FBI identified threatening online posts from one suspect. Weapons and ammunition were recovered during the operation.
Suspects identified
Michael Terry, 21, of Chatsworth, California, and Shane Taylor, 17, of Metter, Georgia, were named by police. Taylor is being held in Cherokee County Jail. The third suspect, a juvenile, is also accused of disrupting school operations. Terry awaits extradition from California.
School connection
Cherokee County School Superintendent Dr. Mary Elizabeth Davis said the juvenile suspect is a former student at Cherokee High School.
Police and community response
Canton Police Officer Pacer Cordry said authorities take threats seriously and believe all three suspects are in custody with no ongoing threat to Cherokee County schools. Residents expressed shock and fear; one grandparent called the news "very upsetting," while another relative said her niece was terrified but thankful for law enforcement.
Investigation continues
Police did not disclose specifics of the alleged plot or how close it was to being carried out. The case comes less than two weeks after a deadly school shooting in Oregon.
