GAITHERSBURG, Maryland – An 18-year-old Maryland teenager, Alex Ye of Rockville, was arrested on Wednesday for planning two school shootings detailed in a 129-page document brought to authorities’ attention by a tipster, officials announced Thursday. The Montgomery County Police Department revealed in a statement that Ye was charged with threats of mass violence after police and the FBI confiscated the document under a search warrant as part of their investigation.
The document in question outlines Ye’s intentions to carry out school shootings, including a plan to target his former elementary school because he believed “little kids make easier targets.” Ye also expressed his desire to become famous through these violent acts and ultimately aspired to be a serial killer rather than a mass murderer, according to Montgomery County Police Chief Marcus Jones.
Despite Ye’s chilling plans, he had been under investigation since early March, leading to his arrest this week due to fears that he might follow through with his threats. Authorities emphasized the importance of community involvement and vigilance in preventing such potential tragedies, illustrating a collaborative effort that helped thwart a potentially catastrophic event.
In addition to the disturbing document, investigators discovered that Ye had conducted internet searches, made drawings, and possessed other materials related to mass violence threats. Security measures were promptly increased at schools, particularly at Thomas S. Wootton High School in Rockville, where Ye had previously attended in person before being admitted to psychiatric hospitals.
The confidential document referred to by Ye as a “memoir” was first revealed to authorities by an informant known as “Witness-One.” The supposed disclaimer claiming it was a work of fiction did not deter authorities, as court records alleged that the document placed several individuals at Wootton High School at risk of harm.
Ye’s troubling online activity, including searches for gun ranges and information on school shootings, provided further evidence of his intentions. Moreover, his involvement in a Discord chat group focusing on glorifying school shootings raised serious concerns among investigators.
Following Ye’s hospitalization for threats of violence and suicidal tendencies, it became evident that he posed a significant threat to the community. Despite his release from medical care, precautions were taken to ensure his inability to access any weapons, pointing to the potential impact of Maryland’s stringent gun control laws in preventing a potential tragedy.
As Ye awaits trial on a misdemeanor charge of “threat of mass violence,” community members and officials remain vigilant in their efforts to address such threats and safeguard the well-being of students and residents. The upcoming legal proceedings scheduled for June 3, 2024, underscore the seriousness of Ye’s actions and the imperative to address threats to public safety diligently and comprehensively.
