SILVER SPRING, Md. - Two Springbrook High School students have been charged with conspiracy to commit first-degree murder, arson, and reckless endangerment after authorities say they set fires in the building with the intention of creating a massive explosion.

There was a "plan involving setting fires, trying to break open a gas pipe and using that to create an explosion," Montgomery County (web | news) police Chief Thomas Manger said at a news conference Wednesday.

Yonata Getachew, 18, and Anthony Torrence, 17, were arrested Tuesday as part of what investigators described as a plot to harm officials at the Silver Spring school and destroy the building.

"They had been planning over the past four weeks to assault a school counselor and the school's principal with explosive devices and set fire to the school building," Chief Manger said.

A motive for the alleged plot remains under investigation, police said.

The students were detained after officials saw the students trying to leave the building, authorities said.

"It was noticed that a student was outside the classroom, or going outside," said Montgomery Count Superintendent of Schools Jerry Weast. "A school official stopped that student and they had a conversation."

Sources say Torrence confessed their alleged plans to the officer and pointed officials to two small fires they allegedly set in a hallway and the boys' locker room. There was some damage but no injuries, officials said.

Police obtained a search warrant for the students' homes Tuesday night. Investigators say they found alleged bomb-making materials and plans for the school.

"Detectives and fire marshals recovered chemicals used in making chemical reaction bombs, flammable liquids, a carbon dioxide cartridge, nails, balloons, homemade wicks and fireworks," Chief Manger said.

Andrea Torrence, the mother of the 17-year-old charged in the case, told ABC 7's Jay Korff that police didn't find any explosive devices when they raided her home early Wednesday morning.

She also said her son was manipulated and misled by other student who was charged. She claimed her son has a learning disability that makes him easily confused.

"All I know that my son has never been charged with anything -- never. He has never been in any type of trouble at all," said Andrea Torrence.

"He wasn't planning to do anything," she added. "He was told that this guy that he was involved with told him he wanted to learn how to make bombs."

Korff visited the other boy's home requesting comment. No one answered the door.

Torrence and Getachew have each been charged with conspiracy to commit first-degree murder, conspiracy to manufacture or possess a destructive device, three counts of arson in the first degree and reckless endangerment.

Many parents and students were concerned about security at the school, but officials said the situation was under control.

"It was kind of weird that they had the weapons and they really were actually bomb the school -- it's kind of scary," said Sesen Tsegab, a Springbrook senior.

"I don't think I want to send my daughter to school in the morning until we find out what's going on," said Donovan McFarland, a parent.

"Let us assure the parents and other students -- the schools are safe," Montgomery County schools Superintendent Jerry Weast said at the news conference.

Torrence is being charged as an adult. Both suspects are expected to appear in court Thursday, Chief Manger said.

Both are being held without bond.

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