Portland DA seeks adult trial for teen charged with domestic terrorism after school chemical attack
A 15-year-old student at Benson Polytechnic High School in Portland faces 19 criminal charges, including domestic terrorism and attempted murder, after mixing chemicals in the school cafeteria on September 8. The incident released toxic hydrogen sulfide gas, critically injuring the teen and requiring medical attention for seven others. Multnomah County District Attorney Nathan Vasquez has announced plans to move the case from juvenile to adult court, citing the severity of the threat. Investigators found prior evidence of the teen’s interest in explosives and violence, while his defense team denies the allegations and notes he is currently in a mental health facility.
Key points
- The suspect, a 15-year-old Benson Polytechnic High School student, faces 19 counts including 10 for attempted aggravated murder and two for domestic terrorism.
- On September 8, the teen brought chemicals from home and mixed them in the cafeteria, releasing hydrogen sulfide gas shortly before 8:30 a.m.
- The incident critically injured the teen, who survived, while seven other students or staff required medical care after evacuation.
- District Attorney Nathan Vasquez stated the office will seek to transfer the case to adult court, arguing the juvenile system’s age-25 cutoff fails to account for ongoing public danger.
- Investigators uncovered pre-incident 'concerning behaviors' related to hazardous chemicals and violence, though the teen’s lawyers deny the charges.
- The FBI is analyzing seized electronic equipment and chemical samples, with results pending as of the October 2 news conference.
Background
This case follows the September 8 incident at Benson Polytechnic High School, where a 15-year-old student was hospitalized in critical condition after mixing chemicals in the cafeteria. Initial reports indicated the student was expected to survive, and approximately 200 people were evaluated on-site. The current charges represent a significant escalation from the initial emergency response to a formal domestic terrorism prosecution.
Why it matters
The case highlights growing concerns over school safety and the adequacy of juvenile justice systems in handling severe violent acts. The prosecutor’s push for adult court signals a shift toward treating such incidents as serious public safety threats rather than isolated juvenile delinquencies, potentially influencing future legal standards for school-based chemical attacks.
What to watch
The Multnomah County District Attorney’s office will formally request the transfer of the case to adult court. The FBI continues to analyze seized electronic devices and chemical samples to determine if additional individuals are involved. The teen remains in an inpatient mental health facility as the investigation proceeds.
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