A 19-year-old former student was charged with attempted murder after allegedly attacking a student with a knife inside a classroom at Monache High School, prosecutors said Wednesday.

Noah Serrate faces multiple charges stemming from the May 19 attack, including willful, deliberate and premeditated attempted murder, felony aggravated mayhem, and misdemeanor disobeying a court order, Tulare County District Attorney Tim Ward said in a statement.

Authorities said Serrate entered a second-floor classroom at the Porterville campus during the morning hours and attacked a student before fleeing. Prosecutors noted the two did not know each other, refuting speculation circulating on social media.

Serrate is also accused of violating a criminal protective order that barred him from being near the school. The order was issued after a separate felony case filed in April 2024, in which Serrate allegedly made violent threats against Monache students and staff.

The new charges include multiple enhancements, alleging that Serrate used a deadly weapon, caused great bodily injury, and carried out the crime while out on bail. Prosecutors also allege the attack was planned and violent in nature.

If convicted on all charges, Serrate could face life in prison.

He pleaded not guilty during his arraignment and is being held without bail. A preliminary hearing setting is scheduled for May 29.

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