PORTLAND, Ore. (KATU) — The Benson Polytechnic High School student accused of exposing classmates to a chemical mixture last month, seriously injuring himself in the process, faces nearly 20 charges, including 12 counts of attempted murder and domestic terrorism. The 15-year-old student was charged with 19 counts after the Sept. 8 incident. According to investigators, the student allegedly mixed chemicals inside the school cafeteria, inhaling gases released. of the mixture in the process. On Friday, a spokesperson for the Oregon Judicial Department stated that the teen will face a charge of first-degree domestic terrorism. Another 18 charges were later revealed. In total, the teenager was charged with 12 counts of attempting to commit any degree of murder or aggravated murder; one count of first-degree domestic terrorism; one count of attempted terrorism in the second degree; one count of unlawful manufacturing of a destructive device; one count of unlawful possession of a destructive device; one count of possession of a weapon in a public building; one count of unlawful use of a weapon; and one count of recklessly endangering another person. At the teen’s initial court appearance Friday, prosecutors alleged that the teen was seen on surveillance footage wearing gloves, dark clothing and goggles while mixing the chemicals in a shared area. He then inhaled the reaction fumes. Prosecutors said the teen’s social media posts show a fascination with explosives. After searching the teen’s devices, prosecutors said the FBI also found references to “764” and numerous searches related to harming others. The school’s vice principal said the incident left a huge impact, especially for students and staff. “The impact has been one of terror; it has been difficult for children to come to school,” the school’s deputy principal told the court. The boy’s legal team presented two letters from doctors saying continued inpatient psychiatric care is necessary, noting that he struggles with severe depression and ongoing suicidal thoughts. They presented two letters from two different psychiatrists, both of which say the boy is at immense risk of suicide and should receive intensive inpatient care. The prosecution argued that the boy should remain in Juvenile Detention. The court agreed that the teenager should be sent back to the hospital for treatment, where he was before the court hearing. No contact is allowed with the victims and a further review will be carried out in six weeks. The prosecution requested two prior hearings as part of the ongoing process. However, the prosecution stated that they intend to have a judge re-evaluate the child’s hospitalization. The presiding judge said the matter could be considered as early as Tuesday. His family released a statement Friday through their attorney: “The family is grateful that no one else was injured and for the quick intervention of school staff and first responders. They ask for privacy at this time so they can focus on their son’s recovery.” This case is still developing and KATU will continue to provide new details as they become available. Police: Student in critical condition after ingesting chemicals at Benson HS in PortlandAs the incident unfolded, the school was evacuated and students gathered on nearby sports fields. Emergency medical personnel tested several students for exposure before they left the school. Portland Fire and Rescue said people could be in the environment for up to 8 hours without having any adverse health effects from exposure to those particular chemicals. KATU News has reached out to Portland Police for comment on the case update. A St. Helens teenager was indicted earlier this year on domestic terrorism charges after being accused of plotting to attack and kill Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents in Portland. Those charges were later dismissed and he pleaded guilty last month to unlawfully manufacturing a destructive device. This is a developing story; Updates will be posted as information arrives.
