We give thanks to all those who helped alert police to an alleged plot to bomb Roy High School during an assembly at the school. Two students are accused of the plot. We are fortunate that in this circumstance, we are in an environment where persons who learned of the plot felt compelled to come forward and alert authorities of the alleged plot.
In an era that still haunts with the memory of the massacre at Columbine High School, murderous plans by teens must be reported and responded to. Dark fantasies may end with plotting and daydreams, or they may be the beginning of murder. To ignore text messages and other clues that point to mayhem is a deadly threat that would be criminal to ignore.
The two suspects' alleged plans are certainly worthy of concern. The charges are a mixture of killing fantasies, ego, and ridiculousness. The two allegedly planned to hijack a plane in Ogden and -- based on practice with computer flight simulations -- fly the plane to a friendly country. The investigation has also uncovered more information the suspects possessed, including maps of the school and security information.
As it stands, Dallin Morgan, 18, and Joshua Hoggan, 16, face serious charges. According to police reports, Hoggan was so fascinated by the 1999 Columbine High killings that in December he went to Colorado and interviewed Columbine's principal, Frank DeAngelis.
Regardless of what the further investigation reveals, we can take gratitude that once details began to emerge, those who suspected a bombing ploy quickly notified law enforcement.
As Roy Police Chief Greg Whinham said, "The reality is it doesn't change (the criminal act). You can't have certain fantasies. You can't make certain threats. You can't say I'm going to blow somebody up." That's a crime plot that needed to be revealed, period.
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