FBI Says It Thwarted Mass Shooting, IED Attack At Washington Shopping Mall, Teen In Custody

Federal and local authorities in Oregon say they thwarted a planned mass shooting and improvised explosive device (IED) attack targeting the Three Rivers Mall in Kelso, Wash.

The FBI Portland Field Office and Columbia County Sheriffs Office arrested a Columbia County, Ore., teenager on May 22, just days after detailed attack plans were reported to the FBI, the federal agency announced Thursday.

The juvenile suspect, whose identity has not been released because they are a minor, was arrested by Columbia County deputies the morning of May 22. According to officials, the teen had laid out specific and alarming plans for an IED attack and shooting spree inside the mall, and authorities moved swiftly to intervene.

The FBI first received a tip about the plot on May 19. Within 24 hours, agents identified the suspect as a local juvenile who shared “nihilistic violent extremist ideology” and plans for the attack in online chats. The teens plans allegedly included a map of the mall, a detailed route for the attack, and a scheme to use a chlorine-based bomb to cause panic, then shoot fleeing patrons — specifically targeting movie theatergoers — before committing suicide at a predetermined spot inside the mall.

Federal officials say the suspect appeared to have both the intent and the means to carry out the attack. The FBI placed the teen under court-authorized surveillance, and federal agents and local law enforcement executed a search warrant on May 22.

“This plot was as serious as it gets,” said FBI Portland Special Agent in Charge Douglas A. Olson. “We, along with our partners, moved swiftly to interrupt this violent plan and to protect our community.”

“There were three firearms seized, multiple boxes of various types of ammunition, four knives,” Olson said during a press conference Thursday.

Olson described the plan as both highly detailed and credible, saying the teen had met multiple concerning indicators on the path to violence and that there was no indication the suspect intended to back down.

Initial contact with the suspect was made by the FBI, but the arrest was ultimately carried out by local authorities on state charges. The Columbia County District Attorneys Office is prosecuting the case.

Authorities are urging the public to remain vigilant and to report any suspicious behavior to law enforcement. They also encouraged parents to talk openly with their children about their online activity and to watch for concerning signs.