For Immediate Release: Thursday, April 18, 2024
Gaithersburg, MD - An 18-year-old high school student has been charged in connection with plans to commit a school shooting at a Montgomery County school.
Andrea Ye, of Rockville, whose preferred name is Alex Ye, was arrested on Wednesday, April 17, 2024, by the Montgomery County Police Department.
The arrest follows a joint investigation by MCPD and the FBI Baltimore Field Office, initiated after the FBI notified MCPD about a 129-page "manifesto" authored by Ye.
In the document, Ye writes about committing a school shooting, and strategizes how to carry out the act. Ye also contemplates targeting an elementary school and says that he wants to be famous.
A search warrant obtained by MCPD led to internet searches, drawings and documents related to threats of mass violence.
As a result of the investigation, the Montgomery County Department of Police – Community Engagement Division coordinated with Montgomery County Public Schools to increase security at schools, particularly Wootton High School.
Ye was taken into custody and charged with threats of mass violence. He is currently being held at the Montgomery County Central Processing Unit where he awaits a bond hearing.
A news conference is planned for Friday, April 19. The time and location will be released in a media advisory.
# # #
Release ID: 24-161
Media Contact: S.D. Goff
Categories: arrest