Portland teenager charged with terrorism and attempted murder following school chemical incident

<p>A 15-year-old student from Benson Polytechnic High School in Portland, Oregon, faces 19 criminal charges, including domestic terrorism and attempted murder, following a chemical incident on September 8 that left another student in critical condition. Authorities reported that the teenager allegedly brought chemicals from home and mixed them in the school cafeteria, releasing toxic gases that endangered students and staff.</p><p>Multnomah County District Attorney Nathan Vasquez stated during a news conference on October 2, "Safety in our schools is not something that can be negotiated." He emphasized the impact of violence in schools on families, saying, "It follows families home. It sits at the dinner table with them." </p><p>Investigators noted that prior to the incident, they observed "concerning behaviors and statements" from the teenager, including an interest in hazardous chemicals and explosives, according to Portland Police Bureau Public Information Manager Mike Benner.</p><p>The teenager, whose name has not been disclosed due to his age, faces multiple charges: 10 counts of attempted aggravated murder, one count of attempted first-degree murder, one count of attempted second-degree murder, one count of first-degree domestic terrorism, and one count of second-degree domestic terrorism. Additional charges include unlawfully manufacturing and possessing a destructive device, possessing a weapon in a public building, unlawfully using a weapon, and recklessly endangering another person.</p><p>The teenager's legal representatives have denied the allegations, stating that he is currently receiving treatment at an inpatient mental health facility, as reported by The New York Times.</p><p>Vasquez indicated that his office would seek to transfer the case from juvenile court to adult court, citing the need for safety among students and staff. He remarked, "And I want to be clear, they're teenagers, but these are children, and they deserve a safe environment."</p><p>Vasquez also criticized the Oregon juvenile system, which he claims fails to adequately address the potential danger posed by individuals convicted of serious crimes, as oversight ends at age 25. He stated, "I think that that is wrong," and highlighted the importance of considering the conduct and potential risks to community safety.</p><p>The chemical incident occurred shortly before 8:30 a.m., with many students and staff present. Teachers and administrators evacuated students while the school nurse treated the teenager until first responders arrived. He was subsequently taken to a hospital in critical condition but survived.</p><p>More than 100 students and staff were assessed after the evacuation, with at least seven requiring medical care. Assistant Chief of Investigations Franz Schoening noted that the initial response was critical in preventing further harm.</p><p>Initial testing indicated the presence of hydrogen sulfide, a toxic gas, according to Sgt. Jim DeFrain, who oversees the investigation. An Oregon National Guard team confirmed this assessment, and samples were sent to an FBI laboratory for further analysis, with results pending at the time of the briefing. The FBI is also reviewing electronic equipment seized during searches.</p><p>Vasquez stated that the investigation remains ongoing, and any individuals found to have criminal involvement could face charges.</p>