Mum Reports Her Own 17-Year-Old Son After Discovering School Shooting Plan
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An American mother prevented a potential school shooting by turning her own 17-year-old son in to the police, after discovering his plans to carry out an attack on the anniversary of the massacre at Columbine High School, which took place in 1999.
The Washington parent, who is only identifiable as Nicole, said that after discovering a journal she had no choice other than to tell the authorities before her son committed an atrocity.
In an emotional interview with CBS News she said: "It's devastating. I know I did all I can do and that I made the right choice."
Her son was eventually arrested by the police on 17 September and charged with harassment and bomb threat offences.
According to some police records obtained by local broadcaster KTEL News, the student's diary outlined how he planned to use a range of explosives and guns to launch an attack on College Place High School.
His mum continued: "I know a lot of people that go to College Place High School. Their lives would have been forever changed."
The journal allegedly said that he would 'blast anyone in sight' and 'kill everyone possible'. He wrote of plans to end the killing with his own death, writing a reminder to 'kill self after maximum damage'.
His mother said that when he was confronted about it, he told her it was 'just a story' and a product of his vivid imagination.
She didn't buy that story, so she bravely took it to the cops.
He told CBS: "Well, he's plotting to attack and kill people.
"That's beyond creative writing. That's beyond normal.
"She's very courageous, it's clearly very emotional for her. She loves her son."
Even though she has definitely made the right choice, which means her son can now get the help he needs and those in danger are now safe, Nicole added that she still feels 'like I've done something wrong'.
However, she also knows that her son is in the safest place for all concerned at the minute. She concluded: "I'm worried about his mental health and he needs help.
"Truth hurts sometimes."
The attack detailed in the journal was scheduled to take place on 20 April 2020, the 21st anniversary of the shooting at Columbine High School in Colorado.
Two students at the school opened fire and killed 13 people, 12 students and a teacher, before the two shooters committed suicide.
