MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Md. — An 18-year-old high school student has been arrested for threatening to commit a school shooting. Alex Ye was arrested Thursday following a joint investigation by the Montgomery County Police Department and the FBI.
The investigation began when FBI agents were notified by MCPD about a 129-page "manifesto" written by Ye. In the document, Ye writes about committing a school shooting, and strategizes about how to do it. He also contemplates targeting an elementary school and says he wants to be famous, according to police.
Charging documents indicate the manifesto was a book that was shared with someone Ye had befriended while receiving treatment for homicidal and suicidal thoughts last year. Ye had previously threatened to "shoot up a school" in 2022, as well, according to the documents.
According to the documents, the person who received the book noted that the main character was Asian and transgender, who had previously been hospitalized for psychiatric care. All of these things mirrored Ye's real life. The person ended up calling police and said they were worried that a school shooting was imminent.
The documents include several excerpts from the book.
A search warrant found internet searches, drawings and documents related to threats of mass violence as well.
As a result of the investigation, Montgomery County Public Schools is increasing security at schools, particularly Wootton High School.
Ye was taken into custody and charged with threats of mass violence. He is currently being held awaiting a bond hearing.
Montgomery County Public Schools said Ye was enrolled at Wootton High School, but has not attended campus since the fall of 2022.
"We value and appreciate the close collaboration between MCPS and MCPD in this matter, which is an example of our shared commitment to identify and address potential threats with due process before they materialize," the school district said in a statement.
Authorities have scheduled a press conference to discuss the case further on Friday.
The announcement of Ye's arrest comes two days before the nation marks 25 years since the Columbine High School shooting, which took place on April 20, 1999.
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