Ohio Teen Saves School from Possible Mass Shooting
Mariemont High School in Ohio narrowly avoided a potential mass tragedy this week, thanks to the brave actions of 15-year-old Boom Swallen, per the Daily Beast.
The Ohio teen immediately alerted authorities after a classmate, identified as A.B., shared plans for a mass shooting.
A.B. had a gun, a hit list with eight students and one teacher, and expressed clear intentions to carry out the attack at school.
Boom Swallen, despite facing threats against his life if he revealed the plan, called his father and contacted the police.
His courageous actions led to the arrest of the suspect and the uncovering of a "credible plot to harm students and staff."
Boom's father, Zach Swallen, shared during a televised interview that his son was willing to risk his life to protect his classmates.
The teenager's selfless act has earned him acknowledgment, and he will be honored with the National Student Hero Award by The Uvalde Foundation For Kids.
READ NEXT: Ohio Teen Faces Charges Following Alleged Mass Shooting Plot
Conspiracy to Commit Mass Casualty Event Uncovered
Law enforcement officials in Hamilton County revealed that a 14-year-old from Ohio and an adult from Colorado Springs conspired to carry out a "mass casualty event" at Mariemont High School, according to WCPO.
The minor suspect, whose identity is protected, faces charges after authorities discovered a "credible plot to harm students and staff."
The teenager had compiled a hit list and planned to execute the attack using a recently acquired firearm from his household.
Disturbing text messages between the teen and the adult co-conspirator detailed ideas related to killing, rape, and the use of gas as a weapon in their planned assault.
The suspected teen has been charged with conspiracy to commit aggravated murder, and Hamilton County prosecutor Melissa Powers aims to try him as an adult, potentially leading to a life sentence if convicted.
The legal team representing the 14-year-old argues that the case stems from the predatory behavior of the adult co-conspirator, met through social media.
They cite the teenager's significant mental health challenges, including Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), and emphasize that he never had access to firearms.
Empathy and Recognition for Ohio Teen's Courage
The Ohio teen's father expressed empathy for the arrested boy, expressing hope that he gets the help he needs and extending forgiveness.
Swallen highlighted his son's strength and warrior-like qualities for doing the right thing, Daily Mail noted.
Mariemont City Schools' Superintendent, Steven Estepp, expressed gratitude for the Swallen family's proactive measures and acknowledged the collaboration with local police, the FBI, and the prosecutor's office.
The Ohio teen's courageous act has not gone unnoticed.
He will receive the National Student Hero Award from The Uvalde Foundation For Kids, a nonprofit working towards ending violence in schools.
Foundation founder Daniel Chapin commended Boom's bravery, emphasizing the role of alert and caring students in preventing potential threats to their peers.
"This student who helped extinguish a possible threat to fellow students represents the reality of how the climate of violence plaguing our nation's schools and threatening student lives can come to an end - not through gun control or more safety planning meetings," he said.
READ MORE: Nebraska Teen Fatally Shot by Police
This article is owned by Latin Post.
Written by: Bert Hoover
WATCH: Ohio teen helps prevent potential school shooting plot - From ABC News
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