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| Firearms recovered from teen's home in Pierce County, Washington, Pierce County Sheriff's Office |
A 13-year-old boy has been arrested in Pierce County, near Tacoma, Washington, after authorities discovered disturbing social media posts suggesting plans for a school shooting.
During a search of his home, police seized 23 firearms, including several mounted on the walls, as well as a significant stockpile of ammunition. Investigators reported that some magazines had inscriptions referencing infamous mass shooters.
Investigation Triggered by Alarming Online Posts
The Pierce County Sheriff’s Office launched an investigation after discovering explicit social media posts in which the teenager threatened mass killings.
According to investigators, evidence suggested the boy was planning a mass shooting, although the exact target remained unclear.
“It was only a matter of time before a tragic incident occurred,” a spokesperson for the Sheriff’s Office stated.
A Troubled Profile and Family’s Defense
Authorities confirmed that the teenager had not been enrolled in school since 2021, when he last attended classes in the Franklin Pierce School District.
His parents, however, deny any malicious intent, claiming their son never planned to harm anyone. According to his mother, the social media posts were a cry for help rather than a genuine threat.
Because the case is being handled by a juvenile court, most case files remain sealed.
Court Hearing and Legal Proceedings
The boy was arrested over the weekend and pleaded not guilty during a juvenile court hearing held on Monday.
He currently faces multiple charges, including:
- Illegal possession of firearms
- Making violent threats
- Posing a potential risk to public safety
Authorities stated that the teenager will undergo a comprehensive psychological evaluation, but no trial date has been set yet.
Case Sparks Renewed Debate on School Safety
This incident has reignited concerns over school safety in the United States, where school shootings remain a recurring issue. Law enforcement officials urge the public to report suspicious behavior or online threats immediately to help prevent potential tragedies.
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