A teenager has been taken into custody in connection with a purported mass shooting scheme targeting the Three Rivers Mall in Kelso, Washington, according to officials. The suspect, whose name has not been disclosed due to his age, allegedly intended to detonate a chlorine bomb to incite chaos and fear before opening fire on patrons fleeing a nearby movie theater, as stated by the FBI Portland Field Office on Thursday. The suspect was arrested by the Columbia County, Oregon, Sheriff’s Office on May 22. Kelso is located roughly 50 miles north of Portland, Oregon.
The teen now faces multiple charges, including attempted second-degree murder, first-degree attempted assault, two counts of unlawful weapon use, tampering with physical evidence, disorderly conduct, and two counts of unlawful firearm possession, according to the Columbia County district attorney and the associated charging documents.
He will remain in custody until a court hearing scheduled for June 20, as reported by Columbia County District Attorney Joshua Pond. “Our goal is to develop and implement plans that ensure the safety and well-being of both the suspect and the community,” Pond stated to news reporters on Friday evening.
The alleged plot came to light when a tip was submitted to the FBI on May 19, leading to the identification of the suspect the following day. Authorities revealed that the juvenile, a resident of Columbia County, espoused a “nihilistic violent extremist ideology” and shared his intentions in online discussions. Notably, Guy Edward Bartkus, who was accused of bombing a fertility clinic in Palm Springs last month, also exhibited similar nihilistic beliefs, according to FBI officials.
The 14-year-old suspect had reportedly experienced changes in his schooling in recent months, as noted by District Attorney Joshua Pond and the case’s charging documents. Prior to his arrest, officials had placed the suspect under court-sanctioned surveillance, citing evidence of both intent and capability to execute the planned attack.
