South Pasadena High School sees increased security on 1st day of school

SOUTH PASADENA, Calif. (KABC) -- Counselors and extra security were on hand as students returned to classes at South Pasadena High School Thursday.

This comes after two students were charged in connection with an alleged mass shooting plot at the school.

"It's all overwhelming and shocking because I wouldn't imagine this stuff to happen here," said student Nour Nallat.

The two incoming seniors, ages 16 and 17, were arrested and charged with making a criminal threat. They allegedly shared their plot with another teen, who they later threatened to kill, prosecutors said.

According to police, the teens threatened to shoot and kill three staff members and as many students as possible.

"My wife and I would like to apologize to the whole community, every student, every parent, every faculty that we do not condone any kind of behavior," said Vic Bazerkanian, the younger suspect's stepfather.

South Pasadena police said they had extra patrols on campus as a precautionary measure.

"We had officers from other adjoining agencies come out to kind of just offer support and security and let people know we feel very secure in our city and we want them to feel secure as well," said Police Chief Art Miller.

Most parents seemed at ease with the police presence.

"It looks great today with the police and all the staff and lots of parents walking their kids. I'm glad to see that," said parent Lenor Nila.

But parent and attorney Katrina Campbell says the district should have a restraining order on the suspects.

"Those students may be released to their parents on their own recognizance, and under compulsory attendance laws, those students have to go to school somewhere," said Campbell.

The school district has not said if it plans to take any further legal actions against the suspects.