UPDATE: Teen Criminally Charged with Attempted Murder, Terrorism Following September Incident at Benson HS

On Tuesday, September 8, 2026, at approximately 8:30 a.m., Portland Fire & Rescue personnel, followed by Portland Police officers, responded to Benson Polytechnic High School following a report of a student experiencing a medical emergency. When first responders arrived, they immediately rushed to the cafeteria. School staff were there tending to a 15-year-old male student who was in significant distress after mixing chemicals he had brought from home and inhaling the gasses produced by the mixture. The student was transported to a local hospital for further medical treatment. Other students and staff were evacuated to nearby athletic fields to be triaged by PF&R. 

Since September 8, PPB detectives, in conjunction with partners at the Multnomah County District Attorney's Office, have been investigating this incident to include numerous interviews, follow-up on tips, review of surveillance footage and social media accounts, execution of search warrants and seizure of electronic devices.

The investigation has resulted in the arrest of the male student, who is not being identified due to his age, on the following charges: 

Attempted Aggravated Murder, (10 counts)

Attempted Murder in the First Degree, 

Attempted Murder in the Second Degree, 

Domestic Terrorism in the First Degree, 

Domestic Terrorism in the Second Degree, 

Unlawful Manufacturing of Destructive Device, 

Unlawful Possession of a Destructive Device, 

Possession of a Weapon in a Public Building, 

Unlawful Use of a Weapon, and 

Recklessly Endangering Another Person. 

PPB and partners spoke about the case at a news conference on October 2, 2026.

Anyone with information about this incident, who has not talked with police, is asked to contact crimetips@police.portlandoregon.gov and reference case number 26-262949.

###PPB###

***Original Messages Below***

UPDATE: Student Expected to Survive After Incident at Benson High School

The Portland Police Bureau is releasing additional information about Tuesday's incident at Benson Polytechnic High School.

Following further investigation into the incident at Benson High School, detectives believe the 15-year-old male student suffered a medical emergency after mixing chemicals and inhaling the gasses produced by the mixture, not drinking the concoction as originally reported.

After receiving life-saving care from school staff, the individual was transported to a hospital in critical condition. PPB is relieved to share the teen is expected to survive.

Detectives have been working to determine exactly what happened, where the chemicals came from, and what led the student to bring them to school. The investigation has included numerous interviews, follow-up on tips, review of surveillance footage and social media accounts, execution of search warrants and seizure of electronic devices.

PPB recognizes the seriousness of this incident and the fear and uncertainty it caused for students, families, faculty and staff. We are grateful for the rapid response of school personnel, Portland Fire & Rescue, PPB officers and specialized responders.

The investigation remains ongoing. Detectives continue to examine the circumstances and intent surrounding the incident. At this time, investigators believe the student acted alone and there is no ongoing threat to the school community or public.

On Wednesday, Chief Day, alongside PF&R Chief Lauren Johnson and Portland Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Kimberlee Armstrong, briefed media.

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact crimetips@police.portlandoregon… and reference case number 26-262949.

###PPB###

***Original Message Below***

PPB, PF&R Respond to Incident at Benson High School

On Tuesday, September 8, 2026, at approximately 8:30 a.m., PF&R personnel, followed by PPB officers, responded to Benson Polytechnic High School following a report of a student experiencing a medical emergency. When first responders arrived, they immediately went to the cafeteria area, where school staff were tending to a 15-year-old male student who was in significant distress. The student was transported to a local hospital for further medical treatment.

Based on the preliminary investigation, authorities believe the student mixed numerous chemicals that he brought to the school from home and subsequently ingested the mixture. The exact nature of the substances involved remains under investigation.

As the incident unfolded, the school was evacuated and students were moved to surrounding athletic fields where they were reunited with their families. While PF&R personnel worked to safely neutralize the mixed chemicals in the cafeteria, others assessed more than 100 evacuated students, staff members, and faculty. No additional patients required transport to a hospital, although two staff members went via private vehicle out of an abundance of caution. 

Anyone who was at the school and is feeling ill and believes their symptoms may be related to this incident should shower, change into a clean set of clothing, and go outside for fresh air. If symptoms persist, they should seek medical advice from a doctor or other medical professional.

The Metropolitan Explosive Disposal Unit (MEDU) responded to the school to examine the materials involved and ensure the scene was safe. In addition, members of the PPB's Homicide Unit responded as a precaution to determine whether there is any potential criminal nexus to the incident. Detectives are pursuing all appropriate investigative avenues to understand what occurred, as well as where the chemicals came from and what led to the student ingesting them.

PPB recognizes that an incident of this nature can be frightening and unsettling for students, families, school staff, and the broader school community. PPB is working closely with Portland Public Schools officials and PF&R as the investigation continues.

Anyone who may have information about this incident is asked to contact crimetips@police.portlandoregon… and reference case number 26-262949.

###PPB###