An Athens teen previously taken into custody over online threats has now been formally indicted on multiple Class A felony charges after investigators say he conspired with extremist online groups and targeted police officers serving as school resource officers at Athens High School.
FOX54 reported the details contained in the Limestone County Grand Jury indictment.
According to the report, 18-year-old Carson Albert Butler faces a five-count indictment alleging terrorism, attempted murder and conspiracy to commit murder.
The indictment accuses Butler of planning actions meant to intimidate or coerce, and of attempting to cause the death of multiple individuals, including students, faculty and staff at Athens High School. Circuit Court Judge Matthew ordered that he be held with no bond.
Authorities confirmed that the 11 individuals named as targets in the indictment are school resource officers. Count 2 alleges Butler attempted to intentionally cause their deaths, while Count 5 focuses on alleged attempts to kill members of the school community.
The filing also identifies several groups and aliases the teen allegedly aligned with in the planning stages.
Those listed include “764,” “8054181698 Datura,” “No Lives Matter”/“NLM,” “MKU,” “MKY” and individuals using the online names “antichrist,” “klassk” and “maxoblivion.” According to the information, the groups are associated with violent extremist rhetoric, neo-Nazi accelerationist ideology and in some cases, other criminal activity.
Butler has been in custody since June, when Athens Police say the then-17-year-old posted an online threat targeting Athens High School’s students, staff and school resource officers. Investigators notified the school system because summer events were planned on some campuses, and the department assigned both uniformed and undercover officers to bolster security.
Based on information from the FBI, Athens Police identified Butler as the suspect and assisted the Bureau in locating him. The department stated that Butler previously attended Athens High School but was not a student when the threats were issued.
The criminal case is being prosecuted by District Attorney Brian C. T. Jones of the 39th Judicial Circuit. An initial court appearance that had been scheduled for Friday has been moved to the morning of December 10.
In a statement from Athens City Schools:
“Law enforcement officials have informed us that, following an extensive investigation conducted by multiple agencies, a former student has been identified and is in custody in connection with an online threat of mass violence targeting Athens High School. First and foremost, we want to assure you that the safety and well-being of our students, faculty, and staff remain our highest priority. The individual has been in custody, and there is no active or ongoing threat to our students, staff, or campus. Threats of violence to any school are entirely unacceptable, and we are deeply grateful to our law enforcement partners for their dedication, vigilance, and thorough response. While we continue to learn more about the circumstances surrounding this event, please note that it is an active and ongoing legal matter, and we are unable to provide further details or comments at this time. As always, we will continue to prioritize the safety of everyone in our school community.”
Sherri Blevins is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You may contact her at [email protected].
