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Teen Charged with Terrorism After Cafeteria Chemical Incident
3 Oct
Summary
- 15-year-old charged with domestic terrorism and attempted murder.
- Substances mixed and inhaled in school cafeteria, causing evacuation.
- New state law defines releasing toxic substances as domestic terrorism.
A 15-year-old student in Portland, Oregon, faces serious charges including domestic terrorism and attempted murder following an incident at Benson Polytechnic High School last month. On September 8, the teenager brought toxic chemicals to the school, mixed them, and inhaled the fumes in the cafeteria. This act prompted an immediate evacuation and required medical attention for over 100 students and staff, with at least seven needing further care.
Prosecutors have filed 19 charges, including 12 counts of attempted murder, citing a recent state law that defines the intentional release of toxic substances into public spaces as domestic terrorism. The district attorney is seeking to move the case to adult court, emphasizing the widespread fear such incidents create. The exact chemicals involved are still undergoing analysis at an FBI lab, though initial concerns involved hydrogen sulfide.
The teen's lawyers assert he is currently in an inpatient mental health facility receiving appropriate treatment and have denied the allegations. Before the incident, the boy had reportedly displayed concerning behavior and expressed interest in hazardous materials and violence. The trauma of the event has significantly impacted the school community, with some students and families reluctant to return.
