Portland student faces domestic terrorism charge after school chemical incident
Oct 2, 2026, 12:04 PM
Benson Polytechnic High School in Portland. (Photo: Steve Morgan via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0)
(Photo: Steve Morgan via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0)
A student at Benson Polytechnic High School in Portland is facing a domestic terrorism charge after a chemical incident, KATU 2 reported Friday.
On Sept. 8, the 15-year-old reportedly mixed numerous chemicals that he brought to the school from home and then inhaled the gases produced by the mixture, according to the Portland Police Bureau.
Students smelled a strong odor coming from the cafeteria, KATU reported. The 15-year-old was found having a medical emergency.
After receiving lifesaving care from school staff, the student was transported to the hospital in critical condition.
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Portland school was evacuated after chemical incident
The school was evacuated, and students were moved to surrounding athletic fields. Portland Fire and Rescue worked to neutralize the mixed chemicals in the cafeteria.
Meanwhile, officials assessed more than 100 students and faculty. No one else had to be transported to the hospital, but two staff members later drove themselves to the hospital out of an abundance of caution.
The Metropolitan Explosive Disposal Unit responded to the school to examine the materials and ensure the area was safe.
“PPB recognizes that an incident of this nature can be frightening and unsettling for students, families, school staff, and the broader school community,” authorities stated in a news release. “PPB is working closely with Portland Public Schools officials and PF&R as the investigation continues.”
Detectives are working to determine exactly what happened, where the chemicals came from, and what led the student to bring them to school.
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