Cincinnati, Ohio – A 15-year-old student at Mariemont High School in Cincinnati, Ohio, successfully thwarted a potential mass shooting after another student confided in him about a disturbing plan to shoot eight students and a teacher.
The unidentified 14-year-old boy was taken into custody and charged as an adult after the 15-year-old, Boom Swallen, reported the planned attack to his father. The younger boy also threatened to kill Swallen if he told anyone. According to reports, the teenager had detailed plans and access to firearms.
At a news conference, Zach Swallen, Boom’s father, praised his son’s bravery and quick action, dubbing him “a hero for what he did.” School Superintendent, Steven Estepp, expressed gratitude for the student and his parents’ proactive measures in reporting the threat to the authorities.
The plot was uncovered in January through text messages exchanged between the 14-year-old and an adult co-conspirator in his 20s who lives out-of-state. The pair discussed using gas in the school, kidnapping students, and going on a killing spree.
The unnamed student faces charges of conspiracy to commit aggravated murder and could potentially face life in prison if convicted. The adult co-conspirator’s status is currently unknown, and it remains to be seen if they will face arrest or charges.
Meanwhile, the 14-year-old is being held in a juvenile detention facility and will undergo evaluation for mental health issues. Authorities plan to request that he be charged as an adult due to the severity of the planned attack.
In recognition of his bravery, Boom Swallen will be awarded the National Student Hero Award by The Uvalde Foundation For Kids, a nonprofit organization with a mission to end violence in American schools.
This incident sheds light on the importance of proactive measures and the resilience of a student who refused to stand by when a potential threat rose against his peers. Additionally, it serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges surrounding school safety and the mental health of students. A pretrial hearing for the young suspect is scheduled for February 21 in juvenile court.