Additional law enforcement officers were on hand at The Villages Charter Middle School on Friday, when deputies say two teenagers plotted to carry out a mass shooting at the school.

  • Teens accused of plotting mass shooting at middle school
  • Increased deputy presence at the school Friday
  • Teens were arrested Thursday, charged with conspiracy to commit murder

Before school started Friday, several Sumter County deputies were patrolling the area.

The Villiages Charter School posted a letter to parents online ahead of the increased law enforcement presence at the school.

"There will be an increased presence of Sumter County Sheriff Department deputies on site and our administrative team will be very visible across campus," wrote Randy G. McDaniel, director of education. "Obviously, student safety is our No. 1 concern."

Rumors indicated that a student was planning a mass shooting on Friday, Jan. 27.

According to deputies, the 13- and 14-year-olds admitted to talking about an attack and referenced the 1999 massacre at Columbine High School in Colorado that left 15 dead, including two young gunmen.

A five-page report also revealed the students allegedly told certain people to wear white and to use a code word so they wouldn't be shot.

No weapons were found on either of the students or in their lockers or bags. However, deputies said they found firearms in their homes.

The Sumter County Sheriff's Office issued this statement Friday:

"The investigation into the Charter School incident is ongoing, both suspects are still incarcerated and detectives are still following up all leads, tips and available information. There have been no additional arrests made. On Monday, January 30th, the Sumter County Sheriff's Office Victims Advocate and Villages Charter School Counselors will be available at the school for those who need the services. The Sumter County Sheriff's Office will continue an increased deputy presence throughout next week.

"Sheriff Farmer takes all threats seriously and believes in the "See Something, Say Something" Campaign. The Sheriff wants the parents and students in the community to know that we are following up all leads and continuing to engage in precautionary measures to keep our schools and children safe. 

The teens were arrested Thursday and charged with conspiracy to commit murder.

At this point, deputies do not think any other students were involved.