Oregon Teen Faces Terrorism, Attempted Murder Charges in School Cafeteria Chemical Incident
Authorities allege a 15-year-old student brought chemicals from home and mixed them, releasing toxic gases that endangered students and staff.
A 15-year-old student at Benson Polytechnic High School in Portland, Oregon, has been charged with domestic terrorism and attempted murder after allegedly releasing toxic gases in the school cafeteria on September 8. The incident left at least one student in critical condition.
Authorities have filed 19 criminal counts against the teenager, including 10 counts of attempted aggravated murder, one count of attempted first-degree murder, and one count of attempted second-degree murder. He also faces charges of first-degree and second-degree domestic terrorism, unlawfully manufacturing and possessing a destructive device, possessing a weapon in a public building, unlawfully using a weapon, and recklessly endangering another person.
Investigators uncovered "concerning behaviors and statements" prior to the incident, including an expressed interest in hazardous chemicals, explosives, and violence, according to Portland Police Bureau Public Information Manager Mike Benner.
The Multnomah County District Attorney's office is seeking to move the case from juvenile court to adult court, citing the severity of the alleged actions and the need to ensure community safety. "Safety in our schools is not something that can be negotiated," District Attorney Nathan Vasquez stated at a press conference. "That violence or the threat of violence in a school… it doesn’t just stay in that building. It follows families home. It sits at the dinner table with them."
The chemical release occurred shortly before 8:30 a.m. as students and staff were present in the cafeteria. School staff initiated treatment for the student before first responders arrived. The teenager was transported to a hospital in critical condition but has since survived. More than 100 students and staff were assessed following the incident, with at least seven requiring medical attention.
Initial testing indicated the presence of hydrogen sulfide, a toxic gas, a conclusion supported by an Oregon National Guard team. Samples have been sent to an FBI laboratory for further analysis. The FBI is also examining electronic equipment seized as part of the investigation.
The teenager's defense attorneys have denied the allegations, stating that he is receiving treatment at an inpatient mental health facility. District Attorney Vasquez emphasized that the investigation remains open and that anyone found to have been involved could face additional charges.
Vasquez also criticized Oregon's juvenile justice system, which ends oversight at age 25, arguing that this cutoff is insufficient for individuals who may still pose a danger to the public after committing serious offenses.