The Pierce County Sheriff's Office in Washington state announced the arrest, executed by SWAT officers on the morning of 6/9. Authorities stated that if they hadn't intervened, a tragedy was inevitable.

Inside the teenager's home, police discovered 23 guns, several appearing to be homemade rifles constructed with 3D-printed parts. Many lacked serial numbers, indicating they were illegal. "Many of the firearms were unsecured, mounted on the wall or just lying on tables," the sheriff said.

Authorities also located a bag containing items suggesting the teen was preparing for a school shooting. The Sheriff's Office declined to disclose the bag's contents.

Loaded magazines inscribed with the names of infamous school shooters were also found, along with clothing and banners—hallmarks of such crimes. "We believe he was studying to emulate them," the sheriff stated.

Court records indicate the teen posted on social media beginning in June, including pictures of himself with guns and messages seemingly "obsessed with recent mass casualty attacks at schools."

Local officials confirmed the boy isn't currently enrolled in school and last attended in 2021, at age 9.

As of yesterday, the boy's parents haven't been charged, but the Sheriff's Office said that could change as the investigation continues.

The teen remains in custody with a preliminary hearing scheduled for 17/9. He's been charged with conspiracy to commit threat of bombing/injury to school, illegal possession of firearms, and illegal possession of explosives.

"This will be an interesting case to follow because, for once, there are no victims and no actual act of violence occurred. It's a good thing we were able to stop it," an official commented.

The Gun Violence Archive, a non-profit organization tracking gun violence, defines a mass shooting as an incident with 4 or more people injured or killed, occurring in both private residences and public spaces. According to their 2024 statistics, over 500 mass shootings occurred across the United States, nearly two per day.

With both victims and perpetrators trending younger, school shootings remain a tragic societal issue. Since the beginning of the year, the US has seen over 140 shootings at elementary and high schools.

Depending on state laws, parents in the US can face criminal charges and years in prison for failing to secure firearms, allowing children or teenagers access with devastating consequences.

Hai Thu (According to ABC, King5)