PORTLAND, Ore. — A 14-year-old Oregon boy accused of planning a mass shooting at the Three Rivers Mall in Kelso, Washington, appeared in court again on Friday as prosecutors presented new evidence in the case.
Investigators previously revealed that the teen intended to use a chlorine bomb to create panic, then open fire on people exiting a movie theater. The FBI foiled the plan and arrested the teen before it could be carried out.
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Prosecutors allege that two unsecured firearms were found in the family’s home, despite the presence of a gun safe that wasn’t being used. They also stated that the boy’s parents were aware of his mental health issues.
Defense attorneys said the family had relocated from Roseburg to St. Helens last fall after the boy faced constant bullying, eventually leading them to homeschool him.
According to his attorney, the teen found a white supremacy group online and formed social connections within it. The FBI, acting on posts in that group, had an undercover agent monitoring the plot. He was arrested shortly after by the FBI and local SWAT teams.
The defense argued that such extremist groups prey on vulnerable youth, sometimes manipulating them into violent behavior. During an interview with the FBI, the teen reportedly said he felt “trapped” by the group.
He faces charges including attempted murder, assault, and tampering with evidence. His attorney entered a not guilty plea earlier this month.
Because he is a juvenile, courtroom cameras are prohibited, but KATU will continue to cover the case as it unfolds.
