Texas Man Pleads Guilty to Firearm Charge

Cameron Darrick Peterson, a 20-year-old from New Braunfels, Texas, has pleaded guilty to attempting to acquire firearms for planned mass shootings. His actions, which began in November 2022, included two failed attempts to purchase shotguns in early 2024, both denied due to his age and firearm type. Following an anonymous tip regarding his violent intentions, the FBI arrested him on June 5, 2024, and discovered an altered .22 caliber rifle, ammunition, and materials for making explosives during a search of his home. Investigations revealed that he had documented fantasies of school shootings and was found to have instructed a witness to destroy evidence related to his plans. Peterson is scheduled for sentencing on February 5, 2025, and faces up to ten years in prison and a $250,000 fine. The case emphasizes the ongoing concerns surrounding youth violence and gun access.