Late last month, the FBI and law enforcement agents in Columbia County, Oregon, detained a teenager who was reportedly preparing a mass shooting with explosives at a retail mall in Washington state.
The kid, whose name was not published, was detained by Columbia County Sheriff’s Office deputies on May 22, according to an FBI news release issued Thursday.
The FBI discovered “detailed and imminent” attack plans after they were reported to the agency just two days before the youngster was arrested.
After learning of the suspected intended attack, the FBI stated that it began collaborating with its partners to locate the mastermind behind the threat. On May 20, a Columbia County adolescent was recognized as a suspect.
According to the FBI, the adolescent discussed nihilistic violent extremist beliefs and intentions in internet discussions.
To protect the public, the youngster was placed under court-authorized surveillance, and on May 22, a federal search order was executed, resulting in the teen’s detention.
According to the FBI, the suspect displayed the intention and means to carry out a plan that included details such as a map of the Three Rivers Mall in Kelso, two hours south of Seattle, as well as a route to take.
The plan allegedly entailed the suspect inciting fear with an improvised explosive device known as a chlorine bomb before shooting mall visitors as they departed the movie theater and then committing himself at a predetermined place at the mall, according to the FBI.
The inquiry revealed that the subject appeared keen on carrying out the plot.
“This plot was as serious as it gets,” FBI Portland Special Agent in Charge Doug Olson stated. “We, along with our partners, moved swiftly to interrupt this violent plan and to protect our community.”
While the FBI initially contacted the boy, the local sheriff’s office arrested him on state charges.
The Columbia County District Attorney’s Office is prosecuting the case.
The FBI said it urges the public to report questionable behavior to law enforcement, and that parents should have open conversations with their children about their online activity.
