A SWAT team in Pierce County, Washington, discovered an alarming collection of 23 firearms and ammunition during a pre-dawn raid at the home of a 13-year-old boy who allegedly idolized mass shooters.
According to Associated Press, the teenager was arrested around 1 a.m. Saturday, after investigators uncovered social media posts expressing intentions to kill. The juvenile faces five criminal charges, including unlawful firearms possession and making threats.
Law enforcement officials found tactical rifles mounted on walls and unsecured handguns throughout the residence. A search of the teen's bedroom revealed AR-style magazines hidden beneath a turtle habitat, with references to the 1999 Columbine High School shooting written on them.
Disturbing Evidence Points to Planned Attack
Pierce County Sheriff's Deputy Carly Cappetto stated that the suspect appeared fully prepared to carry out a mass shooting incident. The timing and target remained unclear, but investigators believed an attack was imminent.
Social media posts dating back to June showed the teen displaying weapons while dressed in attire mimicking previous school shooters. One particularly concerning message declared "when i turn 21 iam going to kill people," while another ominously stated "its over! my time is almost hear!"
Investigators also discovered what they described as a crude drawing featuring the face of a known mass shooter. The combination of weapons, messaging, and imagery painted a troubling picture of escalating behavior.
Legal Implications and Parental Responsibility
The teenager has pleaded not guilty to four felony charges and one misdemeanor in juvenile court. He will remain in detention as the case proceeds through the justice system.
Washington state law prohibits minors under 18 from possessing firearms except in specific situations like hunting or firearms safety courses. The statute also addresses the unsafe storage of weapons when unauthorized individuals gain access.
An ongoing investigation is examining potential charges against the parents for improper storage and safekeeping of firearms. Deputy Cappetto indicated that prosecutors will ultimately determine if additional charges are warranted.
Questions Remain About Prevention and Support
The boy's mother, present at Monday's court hearing, downplayed the severity of the situation in comments to KOMO-TV. She suggested her son's social media activity was merely an attempt to appear "cool" among his peers.
Records show the teenager had not been enrolled in the Franklin Pierce School District since 2021. At the time of his arrest, he was being homeschooled, according to court documents.
The Pierce County Prosecutor's Office has scheduled both a pretrial conference for September 17 and a detention review for September 22. These hearings will help determine the next steps in this developing case.
Law Enforcement Acts on Critical Warning Signs
The discovery of such an extensive weapons cache in the possession of a 13-year-old has raised serious concerns about access to firearms and early intervention. The combination of unsecured weapons, disturbing social media posts, and apparent fixation on mass shooters prompted swift action by authorities.
A thorough investigation continues as officials work to understand the full scope of the situation. The case highlights ongoing challenges in preventing potential mass violence while ensuring proper oversight of firearms.
The Pierce County Sheriff's Office maintains that their intervention likely prevented a tragedy. Their investigation revealed multiple warning signs that, when combined, painted a clear picture of escalating risk.
