ABC News reported on 8/9 that the Pierce County Sheriff’s Office received a tip on the afternoon of 5/9 regarding a 13-year-old boy's access to firearms and his ideation about a school shooting.
Pierce County Sheriff’s deputies and the SWAT team searched the boy's home at 1 a.m. on 6/9, uncovering a "cache of weapons" including 23 guns. Most were homemade rifles using 3D-printed parts, along with unsecured handguns.
Authorities also discovered loaded magazines with writings referencing a school shooting, as well as materials for making fireworks and explosives.
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Guns discovered in the home of a 13-year-old boy in Washington, USA. Photo: ABC News |
Guns discovered in the home of a 13-year-old boy in Washington, USA. Photo: ABC News
According to court documents, since June, the teenage suspect had been posting pictures of himself with guns on social media. He also shared posts and messages reflecting "an obsession with recent school shootings."
Officials stated that the boy hadn't attended school since 2021. Inside his room, he had displayed images and inscriptions related to shootings, suggesting plans for an attack.
The suspect is accused of plotting to threaten a bombing, inflict casualties at a school, and illegally possessing weapons and explosives. The teenager pleaded not guilty to all charges during his court appearance today.
Outside the courtroom, the boy's parents told the media it was a misunderstanding. His mother claimed the social media posts were merely an attempt to impress his friends and that he had no intention of harming anyone. There is no information yet regarding any charges against the suspect's parents.
The boy is currently being held at the Remann Hall Juvenile Detention Center. The investigation is ongoing.
Duc Trung (ABC News, Komo News)
