PORTLAND, Ore. – A 15-year-old Oregon high school student is facing serious charges, including attempted murder and terrorism, following an incident where he allegedly mixed toxic chemicals in a school cafeteria. The incident, which occurred on September 8 at Benson Polytechnic High School, led to several people requiring medical care.
Portland Police stated that the student brought common household chemicals from home and mixed them in the cafeteria, subsequently passing out from inhaling the resulting toxic gases. Investigators identified the mixture as hydrogen sulfide and hydrogen cyanide. The Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office later announced 12 counts of attempted murder against the teen, in addition to a first-degree domestic terrorism charge he faced during a court appearance on Friday afternoon.
Multnomah County Deputy District Attorney Eric Zimmerman reported that at least seven students and staff members required medical attention after the September 8 incident, and more than 100 individuals were checked at the school that day. Zimmerman indicated that investigators believe more people could have been harmed. Benson junior Eva Branstetter described the event as “really confusing,” recalling being evacuated from class while eating breakfast.
Prosecutors presented evidence, including surveillance video, which Zimmerman said showed the suspect arriving in gloves and dark clothing before pouring chemicals from a white jug. A subsequent search of the teen's home reportedly uncovered numerous dangerous chemicals and reactive substances, including materials usable in thermite-type mixtures. Investigators also found social media posts discussing the creation of acetone peroxide. Prosecutors further cited social media posts referencing a “kill/death ratio,” as well as language indicating self-harm and a desire to cause death to himself and others.
Benson Vice Principal Joe Metassik noted that the teen had been a responsible student prior to the incident, but stated that the event had created a sense of “terror” among students, making it difficult for them to return to school. The FBI is currently reviewing seized papers, hard drives, and computers, which Zimmerman stated contained extensive references to “764,” described as a violent extremist group. This review is ongoing.
During court proceedings, defense attorney Norah Van Dusen acknowledged the gravity of the allegations. She submitted letters from the teenager’s personal psychiatrist and a psychiatrist at the Perry Center, both recommending continued psychiatric care. Van Dusen emphasized that the Perry Center is a locked and secure facility, isolated from external access and social media. She quoted from one letter, stating, “Failure to provide this level of mental health support currently is estimated to come at high risk.” Van Dusen added that the teen remains at high risk of suicide, has a serious depression diagnosis, and is cooperating with treatment but faces a long recovery. She highlighted the teen's strong family support, noting his father was present in court and visits daily at the Perry Center. She also pointed out that the teen appeared voluntarily, has not attempted to flee, has no prior court history, and has a stable placement at the Perry Center. The defense requested his release to his father, allowing him to return to the Perry Center to continue his medically necessary treatment.
The teen’s father also expressed that the current placement at the Perry Center is ideal, as his son is only one week into a program typically lasting six to eight weeks. Other parents, such as Benson parents Loressa Williams and Ryan Branstetter, voiced their hope that the 15-year-old receives the help he needs.
Following the Juvenile Department’s recommendation, the judge ordered the teen released to his father, with the condition that he immediately return to the Perry Center. Additional conditions included attending all future hearings, not attempting to run away, and not leaving the program. The judge scheduled another hearing in approximately six weeks to determine future custody status after the completion of his treatment. Prosecutors immediately requested a reconsideration of this decision, leading to a re-hearing scheduled for Tuesday afternoon with a circuit court judge.