Texas Man Pleads Guilty to Planning Mass Shootings at a Buc-ee’s and Two High Schools

A 20-year-old Texas man has pled guilty to charges related to planning mass shootings at a retail location and two high schools.

Authorities say that Cameron Darrick Peterson started planning these shootings as far back as 2022. Then in January of this year, Peterson ordered a gun online from Comal Pawn Shop in New Braunfels, Texas. During the required background check, Peterson was denied. This was based on his age, and the type of gun he was trying to buy.

Peterson returned to the same pawn shop in May to try again. He was denied again. But this time, federal authorities were the ones who flagged the purchase.

Once investigators moved in on Peterson, they uncovered the plot.

Authorities obtained a video Peterson shot where he explained his plan to his girlfriend. He intended to open fire at the New Braunfels area Buc-ee's to attract law enforcement. He then leave the Buc-ee's and go to the two high schools, Canyon High School and the other New Braunfels High School, to execute attacks.

Once a warrant was issued for Peterson, he was taken into custody by the New Braunfels Police Department without incident. When the FBI searched his home, they uncovered materials for the attacks, including an altered .22 caliber long rifle with a sawed-off buttstock and six magazines loaded with 60 rounds.

After further searches, authorities also discovered a box that contained 11 aerosol containers and other ingredients to manufacture destructive devices. One of the containers was determined that it could be readily made operational and was categorized as an Improvised Explosive Device (IED).

While Peterson was jailed, authorities also observed Peterson telling a witness to destroy a video of him surveilling potential targets.

Peterson pleaded guilty in a Federal Court in San Antonio to one count of Attempt to Receive Rirearm to Use to Commit a Felony. He is scheduled to be sentenced on Feb. 5, 2025 and faces up to 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.