Benson HS Teen Faces Attempted Murder, Terrorism Charges
Student arrested following September incident
On Tuesday, September 8, 2026, at approximately 8:30 a.m., Portland Fire & Rescue personnel, followed by Portland Police officers, responded to Benson Polytechnic High School following a report of a student experiencing a medical emergency. When first responders arrived, they immediately rushed to the cafeteria. School staff were there tending to a 15-year-old male student who was in significant distress after mixing chemicals he had brought from home and inhaling the gasses produced by the mixture. The student was transported to a local hospital for further medical treatment. Other students and staff were evacuated to nearby athletic fields to be triaged by PF&R.
Since September 8, PPB detectives, in conjunction with partners at the Multnomah County District Attorney's Office, have been investigating this incident to include numerous interviews, follow-up on tips, review of surveillance footage and social media accounts, execution of search warrants and seizure of electronic devices.
The investigation has resulted in the arrest of the male student, who is not being identified due to his age, on the following charges: 10 counts of Attempted Aggravated Murder, Attempted Murder in the First Degree, Attempted Murder in the Second Degree, Domestic Terrorism in the First Degree, Domestic Terrorism in the Second Degree, Unlawful Manufacturing of Destructive Device, Unlawful Possession of a Destructive Device, Possession of a Weapon in a Public Building, Unlawful Use of a Weapon, and Recklessly Endangering Another Person.
PPB and partners spoke about the case at a news conference on October 2, 2026.
