FBI & Montana Police Prevent Potential School Shooting

Law enforcement prevented what could have been a horrible situation at Billings West High School recently thanks to a tip from the FBI.

Thankfully, this story has a positive ending.

Potential Shooting At Billings West High School Prevented

According to a press release from Billings Police Department, federal authorities passed information along to police regarding a potential shooting.

"On January 23, 2026, at approximately 7:15 a.m., the Billings Police Department School Resource Sergeant received information from the FBI regarding an online post threatening a shooting at Billings West High School," the press release said.

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I have to admit, I'm a bit curious about how the FBI got the information about the online threat but then again - it's the FBI. They have access to information and ways to track down that information in ways us average folk can only imagine.

As soon as Billings police received that information, they acted swiftly.

FBI & Billings Police Prevent A Potential Deadly School Shooting

"BPD officers and detectives promptly responded and were able to locate the suspect, a 16-year-old local male," the release said, "Following further investigation, the threat was determined to be credible."

How terrifying is that? Authorities went on to say that the suspect was charged "with felony Intimidation and was remanded to Youth Services."

Hopefully, this teenager gets the help and appropriate rehabilitation they need but also, huge kudos for law enforcement for acting so quickly.

Billings police ended their press release by thanking the FBI for their assistance in the investigation.