Police arrest 13-year-old boy with 23 guns over school shooting threats
Source: AP
Updated 1:41 PM CDT, September 9, 2025
TACOMA, Wash. (AP) A 13-year-old boy described by police as obsessed with school shooters was arrested on multiple firearms possession charges and causing a threat after they say they found social media posts about intentions to kill and seized 23 guns and ammunition from his home.
The boy pleaded not guilty to a total of five charges, four of them felonies, in juvenile court on Monday. He was arrested over the weekend in Washingtons Pierce County.
The boys name has not been released. It was not immediately known if he had a lawyer. Juvenile court records are generally confidential.
Firearms were mounted on walls and handguns were found unsecured throughout the home, sheriffs Deputy Carly Cappetto said in a news release Monday.
Read more: https://apnews.com/article/arrest-juvenile-school-shootings-obsessed-guns-washington-9ab8d780175fecd5b4f10229507fc879

Ocelot II
(127,225 posts)Diamond_Dog
(38,490 posts)Jilly_in_VA
(13,049 posts)Where the hell were they? Arrest THEM!
H2O Man
(77,915 posts)....the parents are likely criminals. How can you hide that much firepower from your parents, unless they are filthy rich and don't bother keeping an eye on their kids.
And what is with this obsession with school shootings? Many of the school shooters have professed an obsession with the topic of school shootings. They think they will be famous if they kill more kids than anyone else. I cannot relate to that.
Social media?
eppur_se_muova
(40,024 posts)littlemissmartypants
(29,805 posts)Village on line of school shooter obsessed individuals.
https://www.theatlantic.com/technology/archive/2025/09/minneapolis-church-shooting-influencers/684083/
https://www.wpr.org/news/online-extremists-influence-school-shooter-grieving-parents-prevention
## Online Communities and School Shooter Obsession
Online communities that focus on school shootings have become increasingly concerning, especially as they foster a culture that idolizes perpetrators and encourages violent behavior. These spaces often serve as breeding grounds for individuals who are disaffected and seeking validation through extreme actions.
### Characteristics of These Communities
These online groups can be found on various platforms, including social media, forums, and private messaging apps. They often share a few common traits:
- **Hero Worship**: Many members idolize past shooters, viewing them as martyrs or "saints." This glorification can lead to a desire to emulate their actions.
- **Discussion of Tactics**: Members frequently discuss methods of carrying out attacks, sharing manifestos and videos that detail their plans or ideologies.
- **Aesthetic Influences**: The communities often adopt the aesthetics of extremist groups, including neo-Nazi and white supremacist imagery, which can attract individuals with similar ideologies.
### Recent Incidents and Trends
Recent events have highlighted the dangers posed by these communities. For instance, a shooter in Minneapolis referenced previous mass shooters in their online content, indicating a connection to this disturbing subculture. The shooters videos, which circulated widely, included messages that resonated with various extremist ideologies, showcasing a blend of incoherent yet provocative statements.
Research indicates that these communities can act as "mass-shooter-creation machines," where the goal is not just to commit violence but to inspire others to do the same. This cycle of violence is perpetuated by the sharing of digital evidence and manifestos, which serve to motivate future attackers.
### The Impact on Vulnerable Individuals
The influence of these communities extends beyond potential shooters. They can also affect vulnerable individuals, particularly teenagers, who may be drawn into these dark spaces. For example, the tragic case of a young girl who took her own life after becoming involved with a group that idolized school shooters illustrates the profound impact these online environments can have.
Parents and advocates are increasingly calling for awareness and legal protections to safeguard children from these harmful influences. The need for intervention is critical, as many young people may not fully understand the implications of their online interactions.
In summary, the rise of online communities that obsess over school shooters poses a significant threat, not only to potential victims but also to the mental health and safety of individuals drawn into these toxic environments.
debsy
(649 posts)Clearly, the parents didnt care.
relayerbob
(7,271 posts)Who attended the hearing, not a word about the father. Hmmm. Someone bought all those guns, sure wasnt the kid.
USS_Dauntless
(67 posts)for the conduct of their children. I'm glad those parents in Oxford, MI got charged with involuntary manslaughter.
radical noodle
(10,407 posts)which shows that juries agree that parents have a responsibility for kids and guns.
bucolic_frolic
(52,410 posts)I think people are paying attention. If you see something, say something.
Irish_Dem
(74,876 posts)The child must be removed from the home until a thorough evaluation can be done.
Skittles
(167,452 posts)LOOK AT THE GUNS
doc03
(38,396 posts)private owners, a crocked dealer or from his parents?
maxsolomon
(37,356 posts)He had access, obviously, which is the issue.
WA may vote Liberal, but there's a real strong Gunner culture here. Especially in the exurbs.
tonekat
(2,349 posts)That arsenal represents a large chunk of cash. Were the parents buying him these weapons??!
OldBaldy1701E
(9,057 posts)I started hunting when I was ten, as did my little brother when he hit that age. My father had several shotguns and rifles, and two handguns.
That arsenal is probably more than the entire road we lived on, combined. Those parents need to be investigated.
Something is off about this. I might also suggest an evaluation of the kid to see just why he feels the way he does. It may be the ideation they suggest, or it might be parental indoctrination. In which case...
Aristus
(70,880 posts)We listen to the warnings, take them seriously, and then pounce. A lot of good will come from this.
No ignoring all the warning signs here...
I hope the kid gets some help, and his parents get the slammer.
FSogol
(47,451 posts)
IcyPeas
(24,231 posts)From the AP link in the OP:
maxsolomon
(37,356 posts)Last edited Wed Sep 10, 2025, 01:36 PM - Edit history (1)
The only issue is the kid making threats. And not locking the guns up...
The kid hasn't been enrolled at a school since 2021. He's 13. Homeschooling is BS.
twodogsbarking
(15,806 posts)70sEraVet
(4,891 posts)He was being homeschooled.
GreenWave
(11,617 posts)live love laugh
(15,894 posts)AllaN01Bear
(27,418 posts)
proud patriot
(102,257 posts)Heavy Fines if Not Arrested .
3Hotdogs
(14,559 posts)he could plink a couple'a soda cans off the back fence. Such an industrious attitude should be rewarded. Maybe a G.F.M. to buy the kid a box of Oreos.
Yes Agnes. It's sarcasm.
Old Crank
(6,226 posts)A 13 year old just doesn't collect an armory off the street. Then leave them all over the house.
Bengus81
(9,397 posts)With guns...well,we need to investigate further (net worth and pass the skin color test) to see if any charges will be filed against them.
republianmushroom
(21,380 posts)OverBurn
(1,275 posts)The only right thing to do. Make sure all the other kids in his school have at least 23 guns each.
riversedge
(77,794 posts)UMMM... the whole family needs intense phy therapy IMHO!
.............The boys mother, who attended the court hearing, suggested in an interview afterward that the social media posts were an attempt to be cool among peers, KOMO-TV reported.
Cappetto said the boy was last enrolled in the Franklin Pierce School District in 2021. He was being homeschooled at the time of his arrest, according to the probable cause statement.
eringer
(490 posts)Check the kids podcast list. Betcha Charlie is on it!