Teen accused in graduation attack plot held without bail

<p>A 19-year-old man accused of plotting to shoot students and a teacher at his high school graduation has been ordered to be held without bail.</p>

News 12 Staff

Jun 28, 2018, 11:22 PM

Updated 2,138 days ago

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A 19-year-old man accused of plotting to shoot students and a teacher at his high school graduation has been ordered to be held without bail, according to the Asbury Park Press.
Matthew Vanderbeek appeared before an Ocean County judge Thursday for a bail hearing.
According to the newspaper report, the judge said that Vanderbeek must remain jailed because he posed a danger to the community if released due to threats of escalating violence.
Vanderbeek was arrested last May for allegedly threatening to shoot students and teachers at Brick Vocational School. He was arrested again this month after telling several classmates that he intended to attack the New Egypt High School graduation ceremony. He also allegedly made several disturbing posts on Snapchat.
According to a police affidavit, Vanderbeek asked a friend to drive him to a gun shop to purchase a weapon. But the friend threw him out of the car after Vanderbeek allegedly told him what he was planning.
Vanderbeek also dyed his hair red, allegedly because he idolized mass shooter James Holmes who killed 12 people and wounded dozens of others at a screening of ‘The Dark Knight Rises’ in Aurora, Colorado in 2012.
The teen is facing multiple charges, including terrorism, making terroristic threats and attempting to possess a firearm for an unlawful purpose. He could face 30 years in prison if convicted of the terrorism charge.


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