Portland Teen Faces 19 Counts in School Gas Attack as DA Seeks Adult Trial

3 articles · Updated · Fox News · Oct 4

A 15-year-old Benson Polytechnic student was charged with 19 counts, including domestic terrorism and attempted murder, after authorities said he mixed home-brought chemicals in a school cafeteria and released toxic gas.
Sept. 8 testing pointed to hydrogen sulfide, and investigators said the teen had shown prior interest in hazardous chemicals, explosives and violence; FBI lab results and analysis of seized electronics are still pending.
More than 100 students and staff were assessed after the 8:30 a.m. incident, at least seven needed medical care, and the student himself was hospitalized in critical condition after staff and the school nurse intervened.
Multnomah County District Attorney Nathan Vasquez said he will seek to move the case to adult court, arguing Oregon's juvenile system cannot adequately protect the public because supervision ends at age 25.
Defense lawyers denied the allegations and said the teen is being treated at an inpatient mental health facility, while prosecutors said the investigation remains open and others could still be charged.