Raleigh Mass Shooter's Chilling Note Reveals Troubled Mind Before Attack

Prosecutors read 15-year-old Austin Thompson's two-page letter that confessed to killing his brother and expressed hatred for humans.

Feb. 5, 2026 at 5:55pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

In a sentencing hearing, prosecutors revealed details from a note written by Raleigh mass shooter Austin Thompson before the attack that killed five people, including his own brother. The note expressed Thompson's hatred for humans and his lack of remorse, providing a glimpse into his troubled state of mind. Investigators also detailed Thompson's extensive internet searches related to guns, violence, and death in the weeks leading up to the shooting.

Why it matters

This case has raised difficult questions about warning signs, mental health, and the factors that can lead a young person to commit such a horrific act of violence. The note provides a rare window into the shooter's mindset and motivations, which could inform efforts to prevent similar tragedies in the future.

The details

In the note, Thompson wrote "I did this because I hate humans. They are destroying the planet/earth" and "I killed James because he would get in my way." Prosecutors also revealed that Thompson's Google search history in the weeks before the shooting included over a thousand searches related to guns, bomb-making, assaults, rapes, and murders. Just a month and a half before the attack, he had searched "Can juveniles get the death penalty."

  • On February 5, 2026, prosecutors read the note and discussed Thompson's internet search history during his sentencing hearing.
  • The mass shooting in Raleigh occurred in October 2025.

The players

Austin Thompson

The 15-year-old Raleigh resident who committed a mass shooting in October 2025, killing five people including his own brother.

Alan Thompson

The father of Austin Thompson, who expressed shock and lack of understanding about his son's actions.

Elise Thompson

The mother of Austin Thompson, who testified in court on Wednesday.

James Thompson

The brother of Austin Thompson, who was killed by Austin during the mass shooting.

Sgt. William Tripp

The law enforcement officer who read the contents of Austin Thompson's note in court.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I did this because I hate humans. They are destroying the planet/earth”

— Austin Thompson (Note read in court)

“I killed James because he would get in my way”

— Austin Thompson (Note read in court)

“With Austin, I still love him, but I don't understand why”

— Alan Thompson, Father of Austin Thompson (WRAL)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Austin Thompson's sentencing in the coming weeks.

The takeaway

This tragic case highlights the urgent need to better understand and address the warning signs of violence in young people, as well as the complex mental health challenges that can drive such horrific acts. Preventing future mass shootings will require a multi-faceted approach focused on early intervention, improved access to mental health resources, and a deeper examination of the societal factors that can contribute to such devastating outcomes.