Student found guilty in Tri-Cities school shooting plot

Prosecutors say 'a terrible shooting' was averted thanks to a TikTok tip and quick police response.

Published on Jan. 30, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A 15-year-old student has been found guilty of attempted first-degree murder, threats to bomb or injure property, and 11 counts of second-degree illegal gun possession for plotting a shooting at Kamiakin High School in Kennewick, Washington. The only reason the Tri-Cities did not have 'a terrible shooting' was due to two brothers across the country who reported a TikTok post by the student, and the quick work of the Kennewick Police Department to investigate what appeared to be a plan for a school shooting.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing threat of school shootings and the importance of vigilant monitoring of social media and swift law enforcement response to prevent such tragedies. It also raises questions about the mental health and motivations of young perpetrators and how to address these issues before they escalate to violence.

The details

Prosecutors proved that the 14-year-old student, Mason Bently-Ray Ashby, had a detailed plan, access to guns, and a 'morbid fascination' with school shootings. Ashby created three maps showing specific plans for a shooting at Kamiakin High, including one featured in a TikTok video. Police also found a 'manifesto' written by Ashby describing his desire to carry out an attack. On the day of his arrest, Ashby had taken a Glock 22 and magazine from his grandfather's gun safe to a friend's house.

  • On September 19, a 12-year-old in Florida saw Ashby's TikTok video that appeared to be a map for a school shooting.
  • Within 24 hours, on a Saturday evening, Kennewick police had arrested Ashby, then a 14-year-old ninth-grader at Kamiakin High.
  • On June 20, Ashby added to his manifesto, describing how he guessed the combination to his grandfather's gun safe based on smudged numbers on its keypad.

The players

Mason Bently-Ray Ashby

A 15-year-old student who was found guilty of attempted first-degree murder, threats to bomb or injure property, and 11 counts of second-degree illegal gun possession for plotting a shooting at Kamiakin High School.

Eric Eisinger

The Benton County Prosecutor who said the only reason the Tri-Cities did not have 'a terrible shooting' was due to a TikTok tip and the quick work of the Kennewick Police Department.

Jacqueline Shea-Brown

The judge who ruled that Ashby was guilty and read from his 'manifesto' to explain her verdict.

Alexander Holden

The Kennewick Detective whose 'phenomenal' investigative work was praised by Prosecutor Eisinger.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Mason Bently-Ray Ashby out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing threat of school shootings and the importance of vigilant monitoring of social media and swift law enforcement response to prevent such tragedies. It also raises questions about the mental health and motivations of young perpetrators and how to address these issues before they escalate to violence.