State College police say investigation into thwarted school attack is ongoing; one arrest made

State College Police told Borough Council on April 14 that an arrest has been made in the investigation into a planned attack on State High School and that detectives, state partners and federal authorities have been working over the weekend.

The police chief said investigators received tips that prompted immediate action and “thwarted those plans.” The chief said the investigation remains active, that detectives are working leads and that the preliminary hearing for the arrested individual has been continued at the request of defense counsel to a later date.

Council members and the mayor praised the department’s response and urged the community to report any information, saying “nothing is too small to report.” The chief emphasized the department’s practice of notifying persons believed to be at risk and coordinating safety plans with those persons and with the district attorney as appropriate.

Council President and Mayor remarks earlier in the meeting linked the investigation to a broader climate of fear in the community and urged vigilance. The chief said the tips that launched this investigation began when someone reported concerns to others, reinforcing the police message to “say something, do something.”

The chief clarified that the threats the department investigated were specific to State High School and that, to date, there was no substantiated information indicating a continuing threat at other district schools. He encouraged anyone with information to contact State College Police by phone, the anonymous tip line, or email. The chief also said he could not share certain case details while the investigation continues.

No charges beyond the single arrest were announced at the work session, and officials did not provide additional identifying details about the arrested person or specific allegations. The council asked for continued updates as the investigation develops.