PIERCE COUNTY, Wash. — A 13-year-old boy was arrested early Saturday after he allegedly made threats of school violence, including claims of access to firearms.
According to the Pierce County Sheriff’s Office, deputies were alerted on Friday afternoon about threats made by the teen to commit violence at a district school, reports KOMO. The boy allegedly had access to guns and was making threats to kill, prompting immediate action by law enforcement.
Related Article: Evergreen Middle School Attack Plot Reported by Gamer
Pierce County School Shooting Plot Arrest Details
The Sheriff’s Office, along with SWAT, executed a seizure of person warrant at the boy’s residence, resulting in his arrest without incident. He was subsequently booked into Remann Hall, reports the News Tribune.
The ongoing investigation has revealed a “significant number” of firearms, both secured and unsecured, along with loaded magazines. Writings related to school shootings and clothing suggesting a mass shooting scenario were also confiscated.
Additionally, authorities have indicated the presence of a possible manifesto and a hit list of individuals the teen intended to target.
Suspect Stopped Attending School in 2021
The boy, who last attended the Franklin Pierce School District in 2021 at the age of 9, has not been enrolled in any local school districts for the past four years.
This gap in formal education raises questions about his social environment and access to resources that could have contributed to his troubling behavior.
Related Article: California Truancy Related to Student Poverty, School Safety
Chronic absenteeism continues to pose significant challenges in U.S. schools, with 23.5% of students nationwide logging attendance issues in the 2023-24 academic year. However, a new study on school attendance reveals that early-grade interventions, culturally responsive family engagement, and data-driven strategies are key to combating chronic absenteeism. Read more about these promising strategies here.
