A 15-year-old student has been accused of creating a dangerous chemical mixture inside his school cafeteria, an incident that nearly cost him his life and has now led to domestic terrorism charges.
The Benson Polytechnic High School student, whose name has not been released, was formally charged Friday with multiple offenses, including 10 counts of attempted aggravated murder and domestic terrorism.
The case follows a September 8 incident in which the teenager combined chemicals he had brought from home in the cafeteria. Police said he suffered a medical crisis after breathing in the resulting fumes and was taken to a hospital in critical condition.
The Oregon teenager is now receiving inpatient treatment at a mental health facility. His attorney, Noah Horst, told The New York Times that he is being given “appropriate and necessary” care.
He appeared before a judge Friday, as his attorneys entered denials to the allegations.
In total, the teenager is facing 19 charges. They include 10 counts of attempted aggravated murder, attempted murder charges in the first and second degrees, first- and second-degree domestic terrorism, and the unlawful manufacture of a destructive device, among other allegations.
“These charges reflect the seriousness of the conduct investigators have uncovered and the potential danger posed to the school community,” Mike Benner, public information manager for the Portland Police Bureau, said during a news conference.
Assistant Chief Franz Schoening said the incident placed both students and employees in serious danger.
A 15-year-old Benson Polytechnic High School student who mixed chemicals in the cafeteria on September 8 is facing attempted murder and domestic terrorism charges
Seven students, including the accused teenager, and members of staff received medical attention after the chemicals were mixed. Pictured: a bystander
Multnomah County District Attorney Nathan Vasquez is seeking to have the juvenile prosecution transferred to adult court, according to The Times. “Students saw frightening things at a place they should feel safe,” Vasquez said.
Vasquez also explained why the case includes a domestic terrorism allegation. Under Oregon law, releasing a toxic substance that results in “widespread contact” can meet the definition of domestic terrorism.
The emergency unfolded at approximately 8:30 a.m. After the teenager inhaled the fumes, a school nurse rushed to help and performed lifesaving measures, including CPR.
More than 100 students and staff members were evaluated in the aftermath. Seven people required medical treatment, Schoening said.
Authorities initially suspected the mixture may have contained hydrogen sulfide, but its exact composition has not yet been confirmed. Portland Police Sergeant Jim DeFrain said samples were being analyzed at an FBI laboratory.
Benner said investigators had found that the teenager displayed “concerning behavior” before the chemicals were released.
Students told KATU 2 that a strong chemical odor spread through the school during the incident.
Logan Arroyo, a student at the school, said he noticed the smell while passing through the commons area near the cafeteria, where the incident occurred. He described it as resembling a methane-like or sulfuric odor.
The teenager appeared in court Friday, where his attorneys denied the accusations. Assistant Chief Franz Schoening said the incident placed “many students and staff” at real risk
Another student, identified as Peter, told the outlet that alarms began sounding as classmates urged one another to use their phones to alert their parents.
‘I think most of us thought there would just be a quick lockdown and then we’d all go back to our usual business,’ another student said.
‘Then the actual evacuation was ordered about 15 minutes later.’
Students were evacuated to the Buckman Field Park and encouraged to return home to their families for the remainder of the day.
A hazardous materials team responded and ‘neutralize[d] the liquid that was on the cafeteria floor to prevent any further health concerns and off-gassing,’ Portland Fire said.
Our News Outlet has reached out to the teen’s lawyer for comment.
