Authorities in Tacoma, Washington, arrested a 13-year-old over the weekend after discovering a substantial collection of firearms, explosive materials and writings outlining “mass shooting scenarios.”
The teen, whose identity has not been released due to his age, reportedly idolized previous school shooters and made threats to carry out a violent attack.
Investigators emphasized that the discovery raised serious concerns for community safety.
The Pierce County Sheriff’s Office responded Friday after receiving reports that the boy was “making threats to kill” and claimed access to weapons.
A search of the home on Saturday revealed 23 firearms, including several homemade long guns and 3D-printed components.
Authorities also recovered loaded magazines, clothing and writings that referenced past mass shootings, all suggesting preparation for a violent act.
Deputy Carly Cappetto said the teenager faces multiple charges, including attempted threat to bomb or injure a school, unlawful possession of a firearm and unlawful possession of fireworks.
While his parents have not been charged, authorities continue to investigate how the teen obtained the weapons and explosive materials and whether additional individuals were involved.
Examination of the teen’s social media revealed posts dating back to June, showing him holding firearms and making references to prior school shootings.
He reportedly cited attacks such as the 1999 Columbine High School shooting and the 2022 Uvalde, Texas, elementary school massacre, according to the Daily Mail.
Some recovered AR-style magazines contained written references to these incidents, indicating the teen had actively studied previous mass shooters.
Materials that could be used to create explosives and fireworks were also found at the home, prompting officials to stress the severity of the situation.
The teen is not currently enrolled in any school district, having last attended Franklin Pierce School District in 2021.
District officials confirmed full cooperation with law enforcement in ensuring student and staff safety.
“The safety of our students and staff remains our top priority,” a district spokesperson said, per ABC7. “We were notified by local law enforcement personnel that a young person in our community was arrested for allegedly planning a school shooting.”
“We continue to work with authorities to ensure this individual is not a threat to our schools or community.”
Deputy Cappetto noted that it is common in juvenile cases for parents not to face charges, and authorities are continuing to investigate the teen’s motivations, methods and potential influences.
Law enforcement also emphasized the importance of monitoring social media and online activity for early warning signs of planned violence.
Experts say this case underscores ongoing challenges in school safety, particularly the accessibility of firearms and explosives to minors.
The discovery of homemade and 3D-printed weapons highlights the increasing sophistication of threats and the necessity for proactive intervention by parents, educators and law enforcement.
The arrest illustrates broader concerns about preventing youth from becoming influenced by previous mass shooters.
Even young individuals can pose significant dangers when able to access firearms and explosives, making early detection and community vigilance essential for preventing tragedies.
Authorities continue to investigate and have urged families to report any suspicious behavior.
The case serves as a warning about the evolving nature of school threats, the role of online influence and the critical need for public awareness to ensure the safety of students and communities.
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