Portland teen charged with terrorism after school chemical scare
A 15‑year‑old student at Benson Polytechnic High School in Portland was arrested and charged with domestic terrorism and multiple counts of attempted murder after a chemical release in the school cafeteria on Sept. 8, 2026.
Multnomah County District Attorney Nathan Vasquez announced the teenager faces 19 charges, including ten counts of attempted aggravated murder, one count each of attempted first‑degree and second‑degree murder, first‑degree and second‑degree domestic terrorism, unlawful manufacturing of a destructive device, possession of a weapon in a public building, unlawful use of a weapon, and reckless endangerment.
Police investigators said the teen mixed chemicals brought from home, producing a cloud of hydrogen sulfide gas that forced the evacuation of the building. More than 100 students and staff were assessed after the incident, and at least seven required medical treatment. One student was hospitalized in critical condition but survived.
Assistant Chief of Investigations Franz Schoening described the response: "Those first few moments were critical in preventing further harm and lives being lost." Teachers and administrators moved students away while the school nurse began treating the teen before first responders arrived.
Authorities highlighted a pattern of concerning behavior before the incident, noting the teen’s expressed interest in hazardous chemicals, explosives and violence. "Safety in our schools is not something that can be negotiated," Vasquez said at a press conference, adding that such threats reverberate beyond the school walls to families and communities.
The teenager’s lawyers assert he is receiving treatment at an inpatient mental‑health facility, a claim reported by The New York Times. Vasquez said the office will seek to transfer the case from juvenile to adult court, arguing that the current juvenile system, which ends oversight at age 25, fails to address the danger posed by individuals convicted of multiple violent offenses. "I think that that is wrong," he said, emphasizing the need for a safe environment for children.
State and federal investigators, including an Oregon National Guard team and the FBI’s laboratory, confirmed the presence of hydrogen sulfide and are continuing analysis of electronic equipment seized from the teen’s residence.
The district attorney’s office warned that anyone else found to be involved could face additional charges, stating, "If we determine or find any links, if there are people that can be charged, this office will charge them."
