Portland authorities charged an unnamed 15‑year‑old from Benson Polytechnic High School with domestic terrorism and multiple counts of attempted murder after he allegedly mixed chemicals in a cafeteria on Sept. 8, releasing toxic gas. The teen was treated on scene, taken to hospital in critical condition and survived; more than 100 people were assessed and at least seven required medical care. Preliminary tests indicated hydrogen sulfide, with samples sent to an FBI lab for confirmation. The district attorney said he will seek to move the case to adult court as the investigation continues.
Portland Teen Charged With Domestic Terrorism, Multiple Counts Of Attempted Murder After School Chemical Release
Portland officials announce teen terrorism charges
Portland prosecutors have charged a 15‑year‑old student from Benson Polytechnic High School with domestic terrorism and multiple counts of attempted murder after an incident in the school cafeteria on Sept. 8 that released toxic gas and sent several people to medical care.
What Authorities Say
Multnomah County District Attorney Nathan Vasquez announced the charges during an Oct. 2 news conference, calling school safety "nonnegotiable." Investigators say the teenager brought chemicals from home and mixed them inside the school, releasing a toxic gas that endangered students and staff.
Portland authorities discuss attempted murder and domestic terrorism charges against a 15-year-old Benson Polytechnic High School student during an Oct. 2, 2026, news conference.
Charges
The youth, whose name is not being released because of his age, faces a lengthy indictment that includes 10 counts of attempted aggravated murder, one count each of attempted first‑degree and attempted second‑degree murder, one count of first‑degree domestic terrorism and one count of second‑degree domestic terrorism. Additional counts include unlawfully manufacturing and possessing a destructive device, possessing a weapon in a public building, unlawfully using a weapon and recklessly endangering another person.
Incident And Response
Assistant Chief of Investigations Franz Schoening said the incident unfolded shortly before 8:30 a.m. while students and staff were nearby. Teachers and administrators evacuated students, and the school nurse began treating the injured teenager before first responders arrived. The teen was transported to a hospital in critical condition and survived. More than 100 students and staff were assessed after the evacuation and at least seven people required medical care.
A Portland teenager faces attempted murder and domestic terrorism charges following a chemical incident at Benson Polytechnic High School.
School officials and first responders were credited with quickly limiting harm: "Those first few moments were critical in preventing further harm and lives being lost," Schoening said.
Investigation And Evidence
Sgt. Jim DeFrain, who supervises the investigation and the Metropolitan Explosive Disposal Unit, said initial testing indicated the presence of hydrogen sulfide, a toxic gas. An Oregon National Guard team reportedly concurred with that assessment, and samples were sent to an FBI laboratory for confirmatory testing. The FBI also reviewed electronic devices seized during searches connected to the probe.
An empty cafeteria is pictured in this illustrative image. A chemical incident at Benson Polytechnic High School in Portland led to attempted murder and domestic terrorism charges against a student.
Legal And Systemic Issues
Defense lawyers have denied the allegations and media reports indicate the teen is receiving care at an inpatient mental health facility. Vasquez said his office will seek to transfer the case from juvenile to adult court, citing community safety concerns. At the news conference, the prosecutor also criticized Oregon's juvenile oversight policies — which he said end formal supervision at age 25 — arguing that the limit may not adequately protect public safety in extreme cases.
Vasquez added the investigation remains active and anyone else found to be criminally involved could face charges.
Note: The defendant is a minor and his name has not been released. All allegations are pending and subject to prosecution and the juvenile/ criminal process.
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