An 18-year-old high school student in Montgomery County, Maryland, is facing charges of making threats of mass violence following the revelation of a 129-page document detailing his desire to commit a mass shooting at his high school.
Andrea Ye, who goes by the name Alex, was apprehended on Wednesday and is currently detained at the Montgomery County Central Processing Unit awaiting a bond hearing, as confirmed by authorities.
The investigation into Ye commenced on March 3 after he shared the document with a friend, who promptly alerted law enforcement, according to court documents.
The document, characterized by authorities as a “manifesto,” contains deeply troubling passages, including explicit statements about wanting to “shoot up” the high school. Additionally, it details plans to select classrooms as targets and mentions contemplating an attack on Ye’s former elementary school, citing children as “easier targets.”
Moreover, the writings express a desire for notoriety through violent actions, with Ye reportedly expressing a wish for fame, even infamy.
Despite a disclaimer at the beginning of the document claiming it to be a work of fiction, the friend who alerted the authorities noted significant similarities between the protagonist, named James Wang, and Ye himself. These parallels led the friend to believe the content was more autobiographical than fictional, according to court documents.
Subsequent searches of Ye’s home, phone, and email accounts by law enforcement uncovered additional concerning messages and online activity, including references to other mass shootings, mentions of firearms like AR-15s, and inquiries into bomb-making techniques. However, apart from an earlier purchase of a BB gun, there is no evidence suggesting Ye possessed any other weapons at the time of his arrest.
Court documents also reveal a history of psychiatric treatment related to Ye’s apparent homicidal and suicidal thoughts, with multiple hospitalizations and extended stays at psychiatric facilities.
Montgomery County Public Schools confirmed that Ye has not physically attended school since fall 2022 and has been participating in virtual programs. The school system emphasized its collaboration with law enforcement to address potential threats promptly and effectively.
Montgomery County officials credited Maryland legislation with preventing Ye from carrying out his threats, highlighting the state’s stringent gun laws as a crucial safeguard against individuals with a history of mental illness and violent tendencies obtaining firearms.
