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DA Charges Teen With Domestic Terrorism After Cafeteria Poisoning

By Drooid · Oct 5, 2026, 2:29 AM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

Multnomah County DA Nathan Vasquez charged a 15-year-old Benson Polytechnic student with domestic terrorism and attempted murder.
On Sept. 8, 2026, the teen mixed hydrogen sulfide and hydrogen cyanide in the cafeteria.
He inhaled the fumes, fell unconscious, and survived following critical-care treatment.
At least seven students and staff required medical care while over 100 were examined.
Vasquez filed 19 counts, including 12 attempted murder, and seeks adult-court transfer.

History

Historical Context

On 20 March 1995, Aum Shinrikyo members released sarin on three Tokyo Metro lines during rush hour, killing 14 people, severely injuring 50 and causing vision problems for nearly 1,000. The attack followed the group’s June 1994 Matsumoto sarin bombing and a series of assassinations, prompting the arrest of leader Shoko Asahara and more than 200 cult members. It reshaped Japan’s counter-terrorism policies and emergency-response planning.

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Story summary

Multnomah County DA Nathan Vasquez charged a 15-year-old Benson Polytechnic student with domestic terrorism and attempted murder.
On Sept. 8, 2026, the teen mixed hydrogen sulfide and hydrogen cyanide in the cafeteria.
He inhaled the fumes, fell unconscious, and survived following critical-care treatment.
At least seven students and staff required medical care while over 100 were examined.
Vasquez filed 19 counts, including 12 attempted murder, and seeks adult-court transfer.

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