The 15-year-old Benson Polytechnic High School student faces 19 charges stemming from a September chemical incident in the school cafeteria.
PORTLAND, OR — A 15-year-old Benson Polytechnic High School student faces attempted murder, domestic terrorism and weapons charges after authorities investigated a Sept. 8 chemical incident that forced an evacuation and sent the teenager to a hospital.
Portland police announced the charges Oct. 2 after an investigation involving interviews, surveillance footage, social media accounts, search warrants and electronic devices. Authorities said the teenager, whose name is being withheld because he is a minor, faces 19 charges. They include 10 counts of attempted aggravated murder, one count each of attempted first-degree and second-degree murder, and first- and second-degree domestic terrorism charges.
The case began about 8:30 a.m. Sept. 8, when Portland Fire & Rescue personnel responded to Benson Polytechnic High School after receiving a report of a student experiencing a medical emergency. Police said school employees were tending to the 15-year-old in the cafeteria when emergency personnel arrived. Investigators said the student had brought chemicals from home, mixed them at school and inhaled gases produced by the mixture.
The teenager was taken to a hospital after receiving emergency care at the school. Other students and employees were evacuated to nearby athletic fields, where fire personnel evaluated them for possible exposure. Authorities later said the teenager was expected to survive. No other hospitalizations were reported.
Police initially focused on determining what happened, where the chemicals came from and why they were brought to the school. Investigators reviewed surveillance video and social media accounts, followed up on tips, conducted interviews and executed search warrants. Police previously said investigators believed the teenager acted alone and that there was no continuing threat to the school or the public.
The investigation ultimately led authorities to pursue charges beyond those connected directly to the chemical exposure. In addition to the attempted murder and domestic terrorism allegations, police said the teenager faces charges of unlawful manufacturing and possession of a destructive device, possession of a weapon in a public building, unlawful use of a weapon and recklessly endangering another person. The charges are allegations and have not been proven in court.
At the teenager’s initial court appearance Friday, prosecutors described evidence they said was gathered during the investigation. According to reporting from the hearing, prosecutors alleged surveillance footage showed the teenager wearing protective gear while mixing chemicals in a shared area of the school. Prosecutors also cited material investigators said they found while examining electronic devices and social media activity. The defense has not conceded that those allegations establish criminal intent.
The teenager’s legal team urged the juvenile court to allow him to continue receiving inpatient mental health treatment rather than remain in juvenile detention. His family, through an attorney, said it was grateful no one else was injured and thanked school employees and first responders for their intervention. The family also asked for privacy while focusing on the teenager’s recovery.
Multnomah County District Attorney Nathan Vasquez said prosecutors want the case moved from the juvenile system so the teenager can be tried as an adult. The question of how the case will proceed remains subject to court proceedings. Reports following Friday’s hearing said the teenager was released to his father for treatment while prosecutors sought another hearing on his placement.
The Portland Police Bureau said its investigation remains active. Authorities have asked people with information about the Sept. 8 incident who have not already spoken with investigators to come forward. The teenager remains accused, and the criminal allegations against him have not been adjudicated.
Author note: Last updated October 3, 2026.