FBI agents arrested an Oregon teenager who planned a detailed mass shooting and bombing attack at a Washington mall, seizing weapons and bomb-making materials just days before the planned assault.
At a Glance
- A Columbia County, Oregon teenager was arrested for plotting a mass shooting and bomb attack at Three Rivers Mall in Kelso, Washington
- The FBI acted swiftly after receiving a tip on May 19, arresting the suspect three days later on May 22
- Authorities discovered detailed plans including mall schematics, a homemade chlorine bomb design, and multiple weapons
- The teen had pledged allegiance to violent extremist groups and posted attack plans online
- Charges are pending with prosecutors determining whether the suspect will face adult court
Swift FBI Action Prevents Tragedy
Federal authorities have thwarted what could have been a devastating attack at Three Rivers Mall in Kelso, Washington. The FBI and Columbia County Sheriff’s Office arrested a juvenile suspect on May 22, just days after receiving information about the planned assault. The teen, identified only as a Columbia County, Oregon resident, had been methodically planning the attack since early 2025, with preparations accelerating in recent weeks.
FBI Portland Special Agent in Charge Doug Olson emphasized the severity of the situation during a press conference: “This plot was as serious as it gets. We, along with our partners, moved swiftly to interrupt this violent plan and to protect our community.”
The suspect, whose identity has not been disclosed due to his age, allegedly planned to detonate a chlorine bomb to create chaos and panic before shooting fleeing patrons exiting a movie theater, the FBI Portland Field Office said in a statement. https://t.co/IORwVV1APS
— WSIL News (@WSILNews) June 7, 2025
Detailed Attack Plans Uncovered
Investigators discovered the teenager had created elaborate plans for the assault, including a map of the mall, a predetermined route, and a step-by-step sequence of actions. The scheme involved detonating a homemade chlorine bomb to create initial panic, followed by a shooting spree targeting moviegoers and shoppers attempting to flee. The final stage of the plan involved the suspect taking their own life at a specific location within the mall.
During the FBI Portland SWAT team’s arrest operation, agents seized an alarming cache of weapons and materials from the teen’s residence. These included three handguns, ammunition, four knives, clothing specifically selected for the assault, and five digital devices containing evidence of the plot. Authorities also found detailed schematics of the mall that outlined the planned attack route.
Extremist Connections and Online Activity
According to the FBI, the suspect had “pledged allegiance to several online nihilistic, violent extremist groups and ideologies.” The teenager’s online activity played a crucial role in the investigation, as they had posted detailed plans for the attack on May 17, just two days before the FBI received the tip that led to their arrest. The suspect’s digital footprint revealed extensive research and planning dating back to the beginning of the year.
“As a juvenile Columbia County resident, the suspect’s identity remains protected while authorities determine the appropriate legal proceedings,” said Douglas A. Olson, FBI Special Agent in Charge of the Portland Field Office.
This case highlights the growing concern about radicalization of young people through online extremist content. The FBI has not disclosed the specific groups the teenager was affiliated with, but noted the importance of monitoring online behavior that shows signs of violent extremism.
Legal Proceedings and Community Response
The Columbia County District Attorney’s Office is currently preparing charges against the teenager. While the case will initially be filed in juvenile court, prosecutors are evaluating whether to pursue adult charges given the severity and sophisticated nature of the planned attack. Such a move would be relatively rare in the juvenile justice system but may be warranted by the circumstances.
This incident follows another recent case in Bend, Oregon, where law enforcement arrested a man for threatening a mass shooting, highlighting the continued vigilance required by both authorities and communities. The FBI has emphasized that public tips remain one of their most valuable tools in preventing mass casualty events, with this case serving as a prime example of how timely reporting can save lives.
Local residents have expressed relief and gratitude to law enforcement for their quick response. The Three Rivers Mall remains open with increased security measures as the community processes the narrow escape from what could have been a devastating tragedy.
