PIERCE COUNTY, Wash. — A 13-year-old boy has pleaded not guilty to a series of alarming charges in juvenile court this week, after authorities uncovered a chilling assembly of weapons and disturbing posts that signaled potential school violence plans. The Pierce County Sheriff’s Office says tips from the community led to a SWAT-team raid at the teen’s home, resulting in the seizure of 23 firearms, including tactical rifles mounted on the walls, unsecured handguns, and a “go bag” loaded with ammunition.
In the teen’s bedroom, deputies found AR-style magazines and writings referencing mass school shootings like Columbine and Uvalde, alongside makeshift drawings of a known mass shooter. Social media posts dating back to June depicted the boy dressed like infamous shooters and expressing violent intentions, one ominously stated, “when I turn 21 I am going to kill people.” He now faces five charges, four felonies, including making threats to bomb or injure property and unlawful possession of firearms and fireworks. A pretrial hearing is set for September 17, with a detention review scheduled for September 22.
Community Shock, Parents Under Scrutiny, Tense Search for Context
Outside the courtroom, a mix of disbelief and horror echoed through the neighborhood. The boy’s mother described her son’s social media posts as “an attempt to be cool,” while his father insisted the situation had been “blown out of proportion.” Neighbors, like one who identified only as Shauna, said: “I’m scared all the time,” reflecting growing anxiety in the community.
Authorities have also opened an investigation into the parents, considering potential charges for the unsecured storage of firearms. Washington law prohibits minors from possessing firearms except under limited conditions, and violations, including improper storage allowing access by a minor, can lead to criminal penalties. At this time, no formal charges have been filed against the parents. Meanwhile, court proceedings and investigations continue, with local authorities urging anyone with additional information to come forward.
Sources:
KOMO News – 13-year-old pleads not guilty after mass shooting threats; dozens of guns seized
https://komonews.com/news/local/13-year-old-pleads-not-guilty-mass-shooting-threats-pierce-county-sheriffs-office-pcso-gun-violence-dozens-of-weapons-probable-cause-vigilance-swat-teams
AP News – Police say they seized 23 guns from the home of a 13-year-old who appeared to idolize mass shooters
https://apnews.com/article/9ab8d780175fecd5b4f10229507fc879
New York Post – Boy, 13, ‘obsessed’ with school shooters arrested with stockpile of guns and chilling manifesto
https://nypost.com/2025/09/09/us-news/washington-teen-13-obsessed-with-school-shooters-arrested-with-stockpile-of-guns-and-chilling-manifesto-only-a-matter-of-time/
