Oregon teen charged with attempted murder after cafeteria chemical attack. Then investigators see what he was posting online

A 15-year-old student at Benson Polytechnic High School in Oregon is facing serious charges of attempted murder and first-degree domestic terrorism after mixing dangerous chemicals in the school cafeteria, as reported by Web Center Fairbanks.

The incident occurred on September 8, when the teenager brought common household chemicals from his home and combined them, creating a toxic environment that forced an evacuation of the school. Portland Police identified the substances as hydrogen sulfide and hydrogen cyanide, which is a constituent of the M44 aka the “cyanide bomb.” The student reportedly passed out at the scene after inhaling the gases he created.

Multnomah County Deputy District Attorney Eric Zimmerman stated that at least seven students and staff members required medical attention following the exposure. More than 100 people at the school were checked by medical personnel that day.

Investigators conducted a search of the teenager’s home, which uncovered a stash of dangerous chemicals and reactive substances

One student, junior Eva Branstetter, described the chaos by saying, “It was really confusing. For one second, I’m in class, and I’m eating the school breakfast then next, I’m out on Buckman getting evacuated.” Surveillance footage captured the suspect arriving at the cafeteria wearing gloves and dark clothing before pouring the chemicals from a white jug.

Among the items discovered in the teenager’s home were materials capable of being used in thermite-type mixtures. Prosecutors also highlighted social media activity linked to the teen, which included posts about manufacturing acetone peroxide.

Further investigation into his online presence revealed references to a “kill/death ratio,” alongside concerning language regarding self-harm and a desire to cause death to himself and others. The FBI is currently reviewing seized computers, hard drives, and papers, which reportedly contain extensive references to “764,” a violent extremist group.

Benson Vice Principal Joe Metassik noted that the student had previously been seen as a responsible pupil. However, he emphasized that the incident has caused “terror” among the student body, making it difficult for many to feel comfortable returning to campus.

During a court appearance on Friday afternoon, defense attorney Norah Van Dusen argued for the teenager to receive continued psychiatric care rather than detention. She submitted letters from the teen’s personal psychiatrist and a specialist at the Perry Center, where the teen has been receiving treatment.

One letter stated, “Failure to provide this level of mental health support currently is estimated to come at high risk.” Van Dusen explained that the teen has been diagnosed with serious depression and remains at high risk of suicide. She noted that he has been cooperative with treatment and has strong family support, as his father visits him daily at the Perry Center.

Some parents of students at the school expressed a desire for the teen to receive the support he needs. Benson parent Loressa Williams said, “To me, I just feel like he needs the help, and a program would be better.” Another parent, Ryan Branstetter, added, “I hope he gets help, and I think that’s the most important thing and he doesn’t hurt himself or others in the future.”

The judge initially ordered the teen released to his father with the requirement that he return immediately to the Perry Center for treatment. The court set conditions including mandatory attendance at all future hearings and a prohibition on leaving the facility.

A follow-up hearing is scheduled for approximately six weeks from now to determine future custody. However, prosecutors immediately requested that the judge reconsider this decision. A re-hearing regarding the custody status is set for Tuesday afternoon before a circuit court judge.