A 15-year-old girl has been granted bail after being accused of entering her former school with a kitchen knife. The incident occurred on October 9, and police described the girl as having a fixation on the 1999 Columbine school shooting and a 2024 massacre at Bondi Junction.

During court hearings, it was revealed that the teenager had been bullied and allegedly brought the knife in response to a social media post. Upon entering the school grounds, she reportedly pulled the knife from her pocket with the intention of stabbing another student. Fortunately, teachers intervened and convinced her to drop the weapon before police arrived.

The girl first appeared in court on October 10, where no bail application was made. However, on October 13, details emerged about several unpublished TikTok drafts found on her phone. A police informant stated that one video featured the girl on the cover of Time Magazine, with the caption "What made her do it?" Other subheadings referenced her motives, including a tribute to victims of violence.

The court also heard that the girl had expressed admiration for the film "The Elephant," which is inspired by the Columbine shooting. A search of her home allegedly uncovered a list of five teachers she wanted to harm. In response, five intervention orders were issued to protect the teachers, preventing the girl from attending the school.

The magistrate noted the girl's obsessive behavior and described the situation as the closest incident to a Columbine or Bondi Junction event in Victoria in recent years. The court found her suitable for supervision by youth justice and referred her to Headspace for support.

Despite the police prosecutor's opposition to bail, citing concerns about potential reoffending, the magistrate ultimately approved the application after the girl spent six days in custody. The magistrate emphasized the importance of rehabilitation over punishment, stating that the girl had no prior history.

Strict bail conditions were imposed, including a ban on social media use, a curfew from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m., and compliance with the intervention orders. The girl is only allowed to leave her home with her mother or stepfather and can only use a mobile phone to contact immediate family members. The case is scheduled to return to court in November.