FBI agents thwarted a teenager’s detailed plan to unleash a chlorine bomb and mass shooting at Three Rivers Mall in Kelso, Washington, where the suspect had mapped out specific attack routes and intended to end his rampage with suicide.
Key Takeaways
- A Columbia County, Oregon teen was arrested on May 22 after FBI discovered his “detailed and imminent” plans for a mass shooting at Three Rivers Mall in Kelso, Washington.
- The suspect planned to use a chlorine bomb, shoot mall patrons and moviegoers, and ultimately commit suicide at a specific location inside the mall.
- Law enforcement recovered evidence including detailed maps, attack routes, and online communications where the teen pledged allegiance to nihilistic extremist groups.
- The FBI first learned of the plot on May 19, identified the suspect on May 20, and conducted a search warrant with Portland SWAT and local deputies leading to the arrest.
- The Columbia County District Attorney’s office is handling the prosecution of the juvenile suspect.
Swift FBI Action Prevents Tragedy
A potentially devastating mass shooting at the Three Rivers Mall in Kelso, Washington was prevented through rapid response by federal and local law enforcement agencies. The FBI Portland office announced they had dismantled a teenager’s elaborate plan to carry out a violent attack targeting shoppers and moviegoers. The investigation began on May 19 when authorities received information about the plot, and within 24 hours, they had identified the suspect as a juvenile residing in Columbia County, Oregon. This quick identification allowed law enforcement to place the suspect under court-authorized surveillance while they gathered evidence and prepared for an arrest.
On May 22, FBI agents collaborated with Portland SWAT officers and Columbia County Sheriff’s deputies to execute a search warrant at the teen’s residence in Columbia County. The coordinated operation resulted in the teenager’s immediate arrest on state charges. The Columbia County Sheriff’s Office took the suspect into custody, and the case has been transferred to the Columbia County District Attorney’s office for prosecution. This rapid response demonstrates the effectiveness of collaboration between federal and local law enforcement agencies in preventing potential mass casualty events.
Disturbing Details of the Planned Attack
Evidence recovered during the FBI investigation revealed alarming details about the comprehensiveness of the teen’s plan. Authorities discovered a detailed map of the Three Rivers Mall, complete with a predetermined attack route that would maximize casualties. The suspect intended to first deploy a chlorine bomb to create chaos and panic throughout the shopping center. Following the chemical attack, the plan called for indiscriminate shooting of mall patrons and specifically targeting moviegoers within the mall’s theater. In a final disturbing element, the teen had selected a specific location inside the mall where he planned to end his own life after completing the attack.
The investigation uncovered the suspect’s online activity, which included pledges of allegiance to several nihilistic extremist groups. The teen had shared his violent intentions through online chat platforms, providing authorities with clear evidence of premeditation. The FBI described the plot as “detailed and imminent,” emphasizing the serious nature of the threat and the necessity of their intervention. The thoroughness of the plan indicates this was not an idle threat but a meticulously developed strategy that could have resulted in significant loss of life had law enforcement not intercepted it in time.
Importance of Public Vigilance
This thwarted attack highlights the critical role that public awareness plays in preventing mass violence. While authorities have not disclosed exactly how they first learned of the plot on May 19, the case demonstrates the importance of reporting suspicious behavior or concerning online content to law enforcement. The FBI has emphasized that community vigilance is often the first line of defense against planned attacks. The bureau continues to encourage parents to maintain open communication with their children about online activities and to be aware of potential warning signs of radicalization or violent ideation.
President Trump’s administration has consistently supported strengthening law enforcement capabilities to intercept domestic threats before they materialize into actual attacks. The successful prevention of this planned mass shooting demonstrates the effectiveness of our intelligence gathering and rapid response systems when properly deployed. As online radicalization of young people remains a significant concern, this case serves as both a warning about the persistent threat of mass violence and a reminder that proactive law enforcement can make a critical difference in public safety outcomes.
