School Chemical Incident
Portland High School Student Faces 19 Charges Over Chemical Incident
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Key Points
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Prosecutors said surveillance footage showed the student arriving in gloves and dark clothing and pouring chemicals from a white jug. Investigators also cited social-media posts about a “kill/death ratio” and making acetone peroxide, and said a search of his home found dangerous chemicals and reactive substances.
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The 19 charges include 10 counts of attempted aggravated murder, as well as first- and second-degree attempted murder and first- and second-degree domestic terrorism. The district attorney said state law treats the release of toxic substances with “widespread contact” as domestic terrorism.
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A school nurse rushed to provide lifesaving care, including CPR, after the student inhaled the chemical mixture, according to the report.
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A Benson junior described being evacuated during breakfast, while the vice principal said the incident had left students feeling “terror” and made it difficult to get them back to school.
A 15-year-old Benson Polytechnic High School student in Portland faces 19 charges, including attempted murder and domestic terrorism, after allegedly mixing chemicals in the school cafeteria on September 8. KCRG reported that toxic fumes from the incident sent at least seven students and staff to medical care, with more than 100 people evacuated. The teen inhaled the chemical mixture himself and required lifesaving intervention from a school nurse.
Prosecutors say surveillance video shows the student arriving in gloves and dark clothing, then pouring chemicals from a white jug. WALB reported that investigators found dangerous chemicals and reactive substances at his home, along with social media posts about making acetone peroxide. The district attorney is seeking to move the juvenile case to adult court, while the teen's lawyers deny the allegations and he receives inpatient mental health treatment.
Charges Include Terrorism and Multiple Attempted Murder Counts
The 19 charges against the teen include 10 counts of attempted aggravated murder, plus first- and second-degree attempted murder and first- and second-degree domestic terrorism charges. WIBW reported that prosecutors cited state law, which treats the release of toxic substances with widespread contact as an act of domestic terrorism. This legal classification elevates the severity of the charges significantly.
Evidence Includes Video, Posts, and Chemicals Found at Home
Investigators built their case using multiple pieces of evidence. WLBT stated that surveillance footage captured the student arriving in dark clothing and wearing gloves before mixing the chemicals. Police also found social media posts discussing a "kill/death ratio" and instructions for making acetone peroxide, a highly unstable explosive compound used in terrorism.
A search of the teen's home uncovered dangerous chemicals and reactive substances, strengthening prosecutors' theory that the incident was intentional rather than accidental. The evidence collection included materials from his electronic devices, which contained posts discussing violent goals.
School Grapples With Terror and Getting Students to Return
The incident left Benson High students traumatized. A junior described being evacuated mid-breakfast without understanding what happened. The school's vice principal said students were left feeling "terror" after the chemical release forced the evacuation of more than 100 people.
Getting students back to normal school routines has proven difficult. The psychological impact of the incident continues to affect the school community. Many families remain hesitant about returning to campus as the legal case unfolds.
Teen Receives Treatment While Denying All Allegations
The 15-year-old is currently receiving inpatient mental health treatment. His legal team has denied all allegations, suggesting that mental health issues may play a central role in the defense strategy. The teen remains in custody as the case proceeds.
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