A 20-year-old New Braunfels man has pleaded guilty to buying a firearm with the intention to carry out a mass shooting targeting a popular Texas store and several schools, announced the Western District Court of Texas.
Authorities say Cameron Darrick Peterson, 20, began planning the mass attack in November 2022. According to the Houston Chronicle, a friend of Peterson's ex-girlfriend was the one to report him to authorities, citing Perterson's "severe emotional issues" and claiming that he "idolized violence and school shootings." The person also expressed concern "that he may emulate infamous prior mass shooters."
FBI agents obtained an arrest warrant on June 5, and Peterson was immediately taken into custody by the New Braunfels Police Department.
In their investigation, detectives found "a dozen or so journals," in which Peterson detailed his violent plans. FBI agents also found and seized an altered .22 caliber long rifle with a sawed-off buttstock and six magazines loaded with 60 rounds.
While in custody, Peterson was recorded asking a friend to destroy a videotape in which he is seen surveilling a store to plan a future attack.
Per a local CBS news affiliate, Peterson planned to attack Buc-ee's, a popular Texas interstate gas station and convenience store favored by both locals and tourists. Peterson then planned to attack two area high schools, including Canyon High School and New Braunfels High School.
Peterson is scheduled to be sentenced on Feb. 5, 2025, and faces up to 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
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