PORTLAND, Ore. – A 15-year-old high school student in Portland, Oregon, is facing charges of attempted murder and terrorism after allegedly mixing toxic chemicals in his school's cafeteria on Sept. 8. The student, who attends Benson Polytechnic High School, appeared in court on Friday afternoon as legal proceedings began.
According to Portland Police, the student brought common household chemicals from his home to school and mixed them in the cafeteria. He then passed out due to inhaling the toxic gases. Investigators identified the dangerous mixture as hydrogen sulfide and hydrogen cyanide. The incident resulted in at least seven students and staff requiring medical care, with more than 100 people checked at the school that day, Multnomah County Deputy District Attorney Eric Zimmerman stated. Zimmerman indicated investigators believe more people could have been harmed.
Initially facing a first-degree domestic terrorism charge, the Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office later announced an additional 12 counts of attempted murder against the teen. Surveillance video from the school reportedly shows the suspect arriving in gloves and dark clothing, then pouring chemicals from a white jug, according to Zimmerman.
An extensive search of the student’s home uncovered numerous dangerous chemicals and reactive substances. Prosecutors noted the materials could be used in thermite-type mixtures. Social media posts found during the search referenced a “kill/death ratio,” and included language about self-harm and a desire to cause death to himself and others. The FBI is currently reviewing seized papers, hard drives, and computers from the student's home, which include what Zimmerman described as extensive references to “764,” a violent extremist group. This review is ongoing.
Benson Vice Principal Joe Metassik remarked that the teen had previously been a responsible student. However, Metassik described the impact on students from the incident as causing a feeling of terror, and noted that it has been difficult to encourage children to return to school.
During Friday's court appearance, the state requested that the teen be held at the Donald E. Long county detention center while investigators work to understand the full scope of the incident. Defense attorney Norah Van Dusen acknowledged the seriousness of the allegations and presented letters from the teenager’s personal psychiatrist and a psychiatrist at the Perry Center, both recommending continued psychiatric care.
Van Dusen emphasized that the Perry Center is a locked and secure facility, with no access to the outside world or social media. She highlighted a statement from one letter which warned of a high risk if this level of mental health support was not maintained. The defense attorney also informed the court that the teen remains at a high risk of suicide, has a serious depression diagnosis, and is cooperating with treatment, though he faces a long recovery process. She noted his strong family support, with his father present in court and visiting him daily at the Perry Center. Van Dusen argued that the teen appeared voluntarily, has not attempted to flee, has no prior court history, and has a stable placement at the Perry Center. She requested his release to his father to continue what doctors described as medically necessary treatment at the center.
The teen’s father affirmed that the current placement at the Perry Center is optimal, noting his son is only one week into a program that typically spans six to eight weeks. Parents of Benson students also expressed their thoughts, with Loressa Williams stating she felt he needed help and that a program would be better. Ryan Branstetter, another parent, conveyed hopes that he gets help and avoids harming himself or others in the future.
The judge followed the recommendation from the Juvenile Department, ordering the teen’s release to his father. The order stipulated that he must immediately return to the Perry Center. Conditions of his release include attending all future hearings, refraining from running away, and not leaving the treatment program. A subsequent hearing has been scheduled in approximately six weeks to determine future custody status after his treatment. Immediately following the decision, prosecutors asked the judge to reconsider, prompting a re-hearing set for Tuesday afternoon with a circuit court judge.