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FBI and law enforcement officers in Columbia County, Oregon arrested a teenager late last month who allegedly planned a mass shooting at an explosives in a Washington state mall.
The teenager, who had not released his name, was arrested by the Columbia County Sheriff's Office on May 22, the FBI said in a press release Thursday.
The FBI reported the agency a “detailed and imminent plan of assault” two days before the juvenile was arrested.
After learning of the so-called planned attack, the FBI said it began working with partners to identify the mastermind behind the threat. On May 20, the teenager in Columbia County was identified as a suspect.
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The FBI in Washington and the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office arrested a teenager who planned to attack at a shopping center in Kelso. (Google Maps)
According to the FBI, the teenager shared a nihilistic violent extremist ideology and plans in an online chat.
The teen was surveillance authorized by the court for caution and executed a federal search warrant on May 22, resulting in the arrest of the teen.
The suspects have stated intentions and means to implement a plan that includes a map of the Three Rivers Mall, such as Kelso, which is located more than two hours south of Seattle, and a route followed, the FBI said.
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FBI agents from Portland, Oregon were able to track teenagers who allegedly planned to attack in shopping malls involving explosives and guns. (Getty Image)
The FBI said the program allegedly used IED devices to involve suspects, called chlorine bombs, to incite panic, and then filmed shopping mall customers when they exited the cinema and eventually committed suicide at a scheduled location in the mall.
The investigation identified the suspects appear to be intending to follow the plan.
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Columbia County, Washington, the sheriff's office arrested the teenager on state charges. (iStock)
"This plot is as serious as it is," said FBI Portland Agent Doug Olson. "We worked with our partners to quickly interrupt this violent program and protect our community."
The local sheriff’s office was arrested on state charges when the FBI made preliminary contact with the teenager.
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The Columbia County District Attorney’s Office is prosecuting the case.
The FBI said it encouraged the public to report suspicious behavior to law enforcement, adding that parents are also encouraged to have open conversations with their children about their online activities.