- A 15-year-old Benson Polytechnic High School student faces a first-degree domestic terrorism charge for a chemical incident that occurred on Sept. 8.
- On Sept. 8, the teen mixed chemicals in a public cafeteria area, releasing hydrogen sulfide and hydrogen cyanide, which caused injuries and led to the evacuation of the school.
- The incident resulted in at least seven students and staff needing medical care, with more than 100 people checked at the school that day.
- The teen has been charged with 19 charges, including domestic terrorism.
- During a court hearing on Friday, a judge ordered the teen to be released to his father with a return to the Perry Center, while prosecutors requested reconsideration of this decision.
- A re-hearing is scheduled for Tuesday, Oct. 6, at 1:45 p.m. with a circuit court judge.
- The teen was hospitalized after the incident, and the school was evacuated due to the toxic chemical release.
- Investigators found that the teen had dangerous chemicals and reactive substances at home, including materials for thermite-type mixtures.
- Prosecutors indicated that the teen had made social media posts referencing a 'kill/death ratio' and expressed desires to cause harm to himself and others.
- The FBI is reviewing materials seized from the teen's home, which include references to a violent extremist group.
- Benson Vice Principal Joe Metassik stated that the incident has caused a sense of terror among students, making it difficult for them to return to school.
A 15-year-old student at Benson Polytechnic High School is facing a first-degree domestic terrorism charge after allegedly releasing toxic chemicals in a school cafeteria on September 8. The incident resulted in at least seven individuals requiring medical attention and over 100 others being evaluated.1512
Prosecutor Eric Zimmerman detailed that the teen mixed hydrogen sulfide and hydrogen cyanide, both highly toxic substances, before passing out. Surveillance footage reportedly shows him arriving at school in gloves and dark clothing, pouring chemicals from a white jug.23
Following the incident, the student was hospitalized, and the school was evacuated. A search of his home revealed dangerous chemicals and references to violent extremist groups, raising concerns about his mental health. Defense attorney Norah Van Dusen emphasized the teen's ongoing mental health struggles, stating, “Failure to provide this level of mental health support currently is estimated to come at high risk.”89
The court ordered the teen to return to the Perry Center for Children for treatment, with conditions including attending future hearings and not leaving the program. However, prosecutors are seeking a reconsideration of this decision, with a hearing scheduled for October 6.6
Vice Principal Joe Mitacek expressed the lasting impact of the incident on the school community, stating, “The impact of our student body has been one of terror.” The family of the teen has requested privacy as they focus on his recovery.
“The teen's defense attorney cited a psychiatrist's letter warning that failure to provide mental health support 'is estimated to come at high risk,' and the teen remains at high risk of suicide. Separately, Project Red, the Alano Club's naloxone program, expanded with new grants from Pearl Jam, ensuring operations through 2027.”
KPTV
