Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member Latest Breaking News Editorials & Other Articles General Discussion The DU Lounge All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

Omaha Steve

(107,035 posts)
Tue Sep 9, 2025, 05:46 PM Sep 9

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 Washington’s Pierce County.

The boy’s 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, sheriff’s Deputy Carly Cappetto said in a news release Monday.



Read more: https://apnews.com/article/arrest-juvenile-school-shootings-obsessed-guns-washington-9ab8d780175fecd5b4f10229507fc879

35 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
Police arrest 13-year-old boy with 23 guns over school shooting threats (Original Post) Omaha Steve Sep 9 OP
WTF is wrong with that kid's parents? Ocelot II Sep 9 #1
My first thought, as well, Ocelot. Diamond_Dog Sep 9 #2
And mine Jilly_in_VA Sep 9 #7
Mine as well. H2O Man Sep 9 #21
In my book RussBLib Sep 9 #3
Criminal neglicence, pretty obvious. nt eppur_se_muova Sep 9 #5
There's a whole... littlemissmartypants Sep 9 #6
They weren't hidden if they were hanging on the wall. debsy Sep 10 #24
Quotes from the mother relayerbob Sep 9 #16
More parents need to be held responsible USS_Dauntless Sep 9 #17
And they were found guilty in separate trials radical noodle Sep 10 #29
Generally authorities seem to be getting better at detecting potential crimes bucolic_frolic Sep 9 #4
This is a tragedy waiting to happen. Irish_Dem Sep 9 #8
repukes wanting to reduce crime Skittles Sep 9 #9
How does a 13 year old buy and accumulate an arsenal like that. Did he buy them from doc03 Sep 9 #10
They're his parent's guns. maxsolomon Sep 10 #30
OK, he wasn't plunking down the money tonekat Sep 9 #11
I was raised on a farm. OldBaldy1701E Sep 9 #12
That's how we do things downtown. Aristus Sep 9 #13
Why weren't the parents arrested too? FSogol Sep 9 #14
They are still looking in to that. IcyPeas Sep 10 #27
Because a massive arsenal of firearms is legal. maxsolomon Sep 10 #31
Criminal Minds, HOLY FUCK. twodogsbarking Sep 9 #15
According to article, the boy on social media said, "my time is almost hear!" 70sEraVet Sep 9 #18
then his would be school victims are his parents! GreenWave Sep 9 #19
Fucked up home schooling apparently... live love laugh Sep 10 #25
wtf AllaN01Bear Sep 9 #20
IMO The parents should face consequences proud patriot Sep 9 #22
What? The kid had an afterschool job delivering newspapers. He used the money to buy him some hardware so's 3Hotdogs Sep 10 #23
Where are the gun humping parents Old Crank Sep 10 #26
If the parent(s) provide booze or weed to the kid they would have been arrested on the spot Bengus81 Sep 10 #28
Parents are crazier than the kid. republianmushroom Sep 10 #32
That's his god given right to own 23 guns. This is a America dammit! OverBurn Sep 10 #33
The boy's mother said: "the social media posts were an attempt to "be cool" among peers," riversedge Sep 10 #34
One Charlie Kirk Dies and a New One Pops Up eringer Sep 11 #35

RussBLib

(10,166 posts)
3. In my book
Tue Sep 9, 2025, 05:55 PM
Sep 9

....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?

littlemissmartypants

(29,805 posts)
6. There's a whole...
Tue Sep 9, 2025, 06:09 PM
Sep 9

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 shooter’s 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)
24. They weren't hidden if they were hanging on the wall.
Wed Sep 10, 2025, 12:44 AM
Sep 10

Clearly, the “parents” didn’t care.

relayerbob

(7,271 posts)
16. Quotes from the mother
Tue Sep 9, 2025, 07:38 PM
Sep 9

Who attended the hearing, not a word about the father. Hmmm. Someone bought all those guns, sure wasn’t the kid.

USS_Dauntless

(67 posts)
17. More parents need to be held responsible
Tue Sep 9, 2025, 09:37 PM
Sep 9

for the conduct of their children. I'm glad those parents in Oxford, MI got charged with involuntary manslaughter.

radical noodle

(10,407 posts)
29. And they were found guilty in separate trials
Wed Sep 10, 2025, 08:44 AM
Sep 10

which shows that juries agree that parents have a responsibility for kids and guns.

bucolic_frolic

(52,410 posts)
4. Generally authorities seem to be getting better at detecting potential crimes
Tue Sep 9, 2025, 06:05 PM
Sep 9

I think people are paying attention. If you see something, say something.

Irish_Dem

(74,876 posts)
8. This is a tragedy waiting to happen.
Tue Sep 9, 2025, 06:14 PM
Sep 9

The child must be removed from the home until a thorough evaluation can be done.

doc03

(38,396 posts)
10. How does a 13 year old buy and accumulate an arsenal like that. Did he buy them from
Tue Sep 9, 2025, 06:28 PM
Sep 9

private owners, a crocked dealer or from his parents?

maxsolomon

(37,356 posts)
30. They're his parent's guns.
Wed Sep 10, 2025, 11:25 AM
Sep 10

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)
11. OK, he wasn't plunking down the money
Tue Sep 9, 2025, 06:30 PM
Sep 9

That arsenal represents a large chunk of cash. Were the parents buying him these weapons??!

OldBaldy1701E

(9,057 posts)
12. I was raised on a farm.
Tue Sep 9, 2025, 06:33 PM
Sep 9

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)
13. That's how we do things downtown.
Tue Sep 9, 2025, 06:42 PM
Sep 9

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.

IcyPeas

(24,231 posts)
27. They are still looking in to that.
Wed Sep 10, 2025, 04:47 AM
Sep 10

From the AP link in the OP:

“We are still conducting interviews, and it will ultimately be up to the prosecutor to decide if they will charge parents for improper storage and safekeeping of firearms or other crimes they feel is fitting,” she wrote in an email Tuesday.

maxsolomon

(37,356 posts)
31. Because a massive arsenal of firearms is legal.
Wed Sep 10, 2025, 11:27 AM
Sep 10

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.

70sEraVet

(4,891 posts)
18. According to article, the boy on social media said, "my time is almost hear!"
Tue Sep 9, 2025, 10:03 PM
Sep 9

He was being homeschooled.

3Hotdogs

(14,559 posts)
23. What? The kid had an afterschool job delivering newspapers. He used the money to buy him some hardware so's
Wed Sep 10, 2025, 12:04 AM
Sep 10

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)
26. Where are the gun humping parents
Wed Sep 10, 2025, 01:22 AM
Sep 10

A 13 year old just doesn't collect an armory off the street. Then leave them all over the house.

Bengus81

(9,397 posts)
28. If the parent(s) provide booze or weed to the kid they would have been arrested on the spot
Wed Sep 10, 2025, 08:03 AM
Sep 10

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.

OverBurn

(1,275 posts)
33. That's his god given right to own 23 guns. This is a America dammit!
Wed Sep 10, 2025, 06:58 PM
Sep 10

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)
34. The boy's mother said: "the social media posts were an attempt to "be cool" among peers,"
Wed Sep 10, 2025, 08:46 PM
Sep 10

UMMM... the whole family needs intense phy therapy IMHO!


.............The boy’s 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)
35. One Charlie Kirk Dies and a New One Pops Up
Thu Sep 11, 2025, 05:00 AM
Sep 11

Check the kid’s podcast list. Betcha Charlie is on it!

Latest Discussions»Latest Breaking News»Police arrest 13-year-old...