A trans-identified male has been arrested and charged with attempted murder for planning a series of school shootings in Colorado.
19-year-old William Whitworth was taken into custody on March 31st under suspicion of planning to carry out attacks at three schools in Colorado Springs, Colorado.
According to Eric Ross, a spokesperson for the 18th Judicial District Attorney’s Office, Whitworth was born male, but identifies as a transgender woman called “Lilly”. He also uses “she/her” pronouns.
Police were alerted to Whitworth’s behavior by his sister, who reported that he was “behaving violently” and had made references to school shootings. Upon arriving at Whitworth’s residence, officers found him drunk in a room. Police noted the home was filthy, making it “difficult to walk inside.”
Deputies searched Whitworth’s home and found a “manifesto” with the names of mass shooters. They also found a notebook with instructions on how to make rudimentary bombs and construct firearms using a 3D printer.
Officers also found a detailed list of people Whitworth planned to murder. In one of Whitworth’s notebooks, Prairie Hills Elementary and Pine Creek High School were reportedly listed as “targets.”
A whiteboard was found with a floor plan to Timberview Middle School, which Whitworth described as the “main target.” Whitworth also stated that he planned to attack churches.
Officers asked why Whitworth wanted to commit mass murder. He replied that there was “no specific reason.” He added that he was very close to executing his plans. Despite this, no weapons were found in his home.
Whitworth is currently facing charges of two counts of attempted first-degree murder, menacing, criminal mischief, and interference with staff, faculty, or students of educational institutions, according to a news release issued by the 18th Judicial District Attorney’s Office.
He is being held on a $75,000 bond and is scheduled for a preliminary hearing on May 5th.
This news comes on the back of another school shooting in Nashville, Tennessee. This shooting was perpetrated by Audrey Hale, 28, a biological female who identifies as male. Hale, who uses he/him pronouns, shot and killed three children and three staff members at The Covenant School on March 27, 2023.
