Rockville Teen Plotted Shooting At MoCo School, Police Say

ROCKVILLE, MD — A Rockville teenager is facing charges after authorities said he plotted a shooting at a Montgomery County elementary school.

Andrea Ye, 18, of Rockville, whose preferred name is Alex Ye, was charged with threats of mass violence following a joint investigation by Montgomery County police and the FBI. Ye was arrested Wednesday by county authorities.

According to a joint statement released Thursday by county officials, authorities were alerted to the possible threat by an unnamed source.

"(This person) should be considered a hero because they 'saw something and said something' and likely saved lives," officials including County Executive Marc Elrich said in the statement.

According to police, the FBI notified county police about a 129-page "manifesto" authored by Ye, in which he wrote about committing a school shooting and how to carry out the act.

Police said Ye also contemplated targeting an elementary school in the manifesto and stated that he wanted to be famous.

A search warrant obtained by county police led to internet searches which uncovered drawings and documents related to threats of mass violence, authorities said.

As a result of the investigation, police have increased security at county schools, particularly at Wootton High School in Rockville.

"This incident is a somber reminder that we must continue to focus on the mental health of our youth and young adults," county officials said. "We are working to expand our communications and engagement efforts with students, parents, teachers, and families of young adults throughout the county to ensure that they know where and how to get help when needed."

Ye is being held at the Montgomery County Central Processing Unit, where he is awaiting a bond hearing.

Police said they will share more details at a news conference on Friday.