Maryland transgender teen, 18, is arrested for planning school shooting because he 'wants to be famous' as cops find 130-page manifesto

Andrea Ye, whose preferred name is Alex, was arrested on Wednesday and charged with making threats of mass violence

A transgender 18-year-old was arrested for allegedly planning a school shooting because, according to cops, he "wanted to be famous." The teen, known as Alex but legally named Andrea Ye, was charged with making threats of mass violence after authorities found a 129-page document referred to as a "manifesto" detailing the planned shooting at Wootton High School in Rockville, Maryland.

Ye's manifesto reportedly discusses committing a school shooting and includes strategies for carrying out the act. The document also reveals Ye's desire for fame, with references to targeting an elementary school due to the perceived ease of targeting young children.

Montgomery County Public Schools told Fox that Ye is an active student at Wootton High School in Rockville but has been attending virtually

Although Ye initially described the manifesto as fiction, he later referred to it as his memoir. Montgomery County Public Schools confirmed that Ye is a current student at Wootton High School but had been attending virtually since 2022.

Following a tip from the FBI, authorities obtained a search warrant and discovered internet searches, drawings, and documents related to threats of mass violence. Despite Ye's disclaimer that the manifesto doesn't reflect his beliefs, a witness raised concerns about the striking similarities between the writings and Ye's life.

Police swooped on Ye after finding a 'manifesto' written by the teen which they said 'writes about committing a school shooting, and strategizes how to carry out the act'.

The witness mentioned that the manifesto featured a transgender character named "James Wang," facing bullying and personal issues similar to Ye's experiences. Ye's online activity, including searches for gun ranges and expressions of homicidal ideation, raised further alarm.

Ye has a history of mental health issues, including hospitalization for threatening a school shooting. A counselor noted that Ye would express violent thoughts with a smile, prompting concerns about the potential threat posed.

Ye is currently in custody awaiting a bond hearing and has not entered a plea.