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Montgomery Co. student arrested for alleged manifesto outlining school shooting plan
Thomas Wootton High School in Montgomery County, Maryland on April, 18, 2024. (SkyTrak7)
MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Md. (7News) — A Montgomery County high school student was arrested Wednesday for an alleged mass shooting plot at Wootton High School that was stopped by state and federal officials, according to the Montgomery County Police Department.
Police said 18-year-old Andrea Ye of Rockville, who goes by Alex, allegedly authored a 129-page "manifesto" strategizing how he'd allegedly carry out the act, though police records showed that Ye claimed it was a fictional story. Numerous, concerning internet searches allegedly made by Ye also aided in an arrest and subsequent charges.
According to 7News Maryland Bureau Chief Brad Bell, Ye is biologically female though identified as male.
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Documents claim that Ye reportedly contemplated targeting an elementary school.
"The charges are extremely serious, involving alleged threats to harm others. We value and appreciate the close collaboration between [Montgomery County Public Schools] 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," a statement from MCPS read. "The student, who has not physically attended an MCPS school since the fall of 2022, has been actively participating in lessons through a virtual program called Online Pathways to Graduation."
According to officials, Ye's alleged manifesto was shared with Baltimore police on March 3, by someone else who knew Ye as both people received treatment at a psychiatric facility in Maryland. Ye started receiving mental health treatment in December of 2022 after making a series of alleged threats.
18-year-old Andrea Ye, who goes by Alex, of Rockville, Maryland. On April 17, 2024, Ye was arrested following police learning about a 129-page manifesto. (Montgomery County Police Department)
The witness allegedly was told by Ye that the story was fictional, however, witnesses and police were concerned with many of the elements that appeared to be too realistic, according to police records. Ye referred to the manifesto as his "memoir" or an "autobiography," according to police documents.
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Rockville City police were later contacted and they conducted a welfare check on Ye. Ye's father allegedly told police he was not concerned with Ye's mental status because he was certain Ye would contact their therapist.
Ye's father was allegedly aware of a story being written by the 18-year-old but had not read it.
According to documents, Ye's former counselor said he, between Oct. 2022 and Feb. 2023, frequently made harmful comments towards others. Ye also reportedly told the counselor that he wanted to be famous for his acts.
Ye was charged with threat of mass violence, meaning he's being accused of "knowingly threaten to commit" a violent crime. He's being held in the Montgomery County Detention Center without bond.
This is a developing story. Stay with 7News for the latest information.
A Montgomery County high school student was arrested Wednesday for an alleged mass shooting plot at Wootton High School that was stopped by state and federal of
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