The suspect remains incarcerated without bond.
Alex Ye (Photo from Montgomery County, Md Police)
Rockville, Md (KM) A Rockville teenager remains behind bars in Montgomery County following his arrest on Wednesday for making threats of mass violence at his high school.. Alex Ye, 18, had a bond hearing on Friday afternoon and a judge ruled the defendant continue to be held without bond.
Police arrested Ye on Wednesday. He had written a 129-page manifesto outlining how he was going to conduct a mass shooting at Wootton High where he was a student, and at his former elementary school.
During a news conference on Friday before the hearing, Montgomery County Police Chief Marcus Jones praised the officers of his department, as well as the FBI, the Rockville Police Department, and the County’s Health and Human Services Department for their actions in this case. “Based on their swift action and cooperation, a potentially catastrophic event was prevented,:” he said.
The chief said the investigation into this case began on March 3rd when the Rockville Police Department received word about the threat, and it made its way to the FBI and Montgomery County Police.
When investigations are launched by police following word of a threat to a school, particularly when it involves shootings or bombs, Chief Jones says the investigation is always very thorough. “When we have identified that said student, our officers will make a visit to the family residence, speak with the parents as well as the student to make sure the student is not capable of carrying out said threat,” he says.
The chief said the department has investigated 140 threats against county schools so far this year.
Jones said Ye made inquires on line about shooting ranges in his area, and what, if any, age restrictions are in place for those using those ranges. He also looked for information on AR 15’s.
“It was a concerned witness who brought this matter to light by reporting the suspect’s manifesto to authorities,” he continues. “This underscores the value of human engagement, and the see something, say something approach.”
That comment was echoed by Bill Debagno, the Special Agent in Charge for the FBI’s Field Office in Baltimore. “We are grateful; we are very grateful to the brave witness who came forth with information, and provided it to law enforcement,” he said. “And we encourage the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to law enforcement immediately. Every potential threat is taken seriously, and when credible, it warrants intense focus.”
Also on hand for the news conference was Brian Hall, the Chief Operating Officer for Montgomery County Public Schools., who had this message for students and parents. “I want you to know that we have supportive resources in our schools for students and school staff who may need to talk through and process this incident,” he said. “Professionals such as our psychologists, social workers and counselors are available for support.”
He also said while Ye was enrolled at Wootton High, he has not been in the school building since the fall of 2022, and has been attending classes remotely.
By Kevin McManus