Federal agents with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) have disrupted a potential school shooting in Washington, D.C., following an investigation that uncovered a detailed plan to carry out a mass attack at a local high school.
The suspect, a 17-year-old male whose name has not been released due to his age, was taken into custody early Monday morning after agents executed a search warrant at his home in Northeast D.C. Authorities say the teen was in the final stages of planning the attack and had acquired firearms, ammunition, and written manifestos expressing violent intent.
“This was a credible and imminent threat,” said ATF Special Agent in Charge Ashan Benedict during a Tuesday press briefing. “Thanks to swift investigative work and community cooperation, we were able to prevent what could have been a devastating tragedy.”
According to officials, the investigation began several weeks ago after the suspect posted disturbing messages in online forums referencing school shootings and glorifying past attackers. A tip from a concerned user led federal agents to the teen’s social media accounts, which included photos of weapons and violent rhetoric aimed at students and faculty at a D.C. public high school he previously attended.
During the search of his residence, agents recovered a semi-automatic rifle, a handgun, high-capacity magazines, a tactical vest, and a notebook containing detailed diagrams of the school’s layout and a timeline for the planned attack.
The teen is currently being held at a juvenile detention center and is expected to face multiple charges, including illegal possession of firearms, making terroristic threats, and attempted acts of violence on school property.
D.C. Public Schools Chancellor Lewis Ferebee issued a statement thanking law enforcement and emphasizing the district’s commitment to student safety.
“We are incredibly grateful that this threat was identified and neutralized before anyone was harmed,” Ferebee said. “We will continue to work with authorities to ensure our schools remain safe spaces for learning.”
ATF officials also urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious behavior online or in person.
“This case highlights the power of community awareness,” Benedict said. “One tip saved lives.”
The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are working to determine whether the suspect acted alone or had any outside influences or support.