Accused Minors Charged with Mall Mass Shooting Plot in Washington State, According to District Attorney
A Minor Suspect's Terrifying Plot at Three Rivers Mall
It's chilling to hear about the recent plot to bring havoc to the Three Rivers Mall in Kelso, Washington, which was supposedly crafted by a 14-year-old juvenile hailing from Columbia County, Oregon. This troubling incident came to light when authorities uncovered the teen's involvement in nihilistic extremist chat groups online[1][2]. These extremist ideologies often stem from a disdain for life and the conviction that existence holds no inherent meaning.
What we know about the incident:- Proceedings and Arrest: The FBI first caught wind of this plot on May 19th, 2023, having followed online discussions. The suspect, a resident of Columbia County, was identified and, on May 22nd, was arrested by FBI agents, Portland SWAT officers, and Columbia County Sheriff’s deputies during a search at their home[1][2].- Court Proceedings: Facing a series of charges, including attempted murder in the second degree, assault in the first degree, unlawful use of weapons, tampering with evidence, disorderly conduct, and unlawful possession of firearms, the teen awaits an arraignment hearing on Friday[1]. The decision on whether to try the juvenile as an adult or a minor is still pending.
Unraveling the Plot:- The Blueprint: The teen planned to create chaos using a chlorine bomb, followed by shooting frightened civilians escaping a movie theater[1].- Motives and Influence: The teen's participation in nihilistic extremist chat groups suggests that a disregard for life and belief in the meaninglessness of existence may have played a role in their actions[1][2].
It's crucial for the public to be vigilant and report any suspicious behavior. Parents are encouraged to engage with their children and discuss their online activities. By doing so, we can possibly identify and prevent future acts of violence inspired by extremist ideologies.
[1] FBI Portland Field Office, "Oregon Teen Arrested for Alleged Mass Shooting Plot at Three Rivers Mall in Kelso, Washington," press release, May 25, 2023.[2] Columbia County District Attorney's Office, charging document in the case of the arrest of a minor, May 22, 2023.[3] Dr. Mary Ellen O'Toole, retired senior FBI profiler, quoted in the CNN article, "What is nihilistic violent extremism," January 20, 2022.
The plot to create chaos at Three Rivers Mall, involving a 14-year-old suspect from Columbia County, has sparked concern in the realm of both general-news and crime-and-justice. The teen's alleged motives stem from their participation in nihilistic extremist chat groups online, further highlighting the importance of public vigilance and discussions on children's online activities to combat extremist ideologies.
