Texas man pleads guilty to involvement in mass shootings targeting several Buc-ee’s high schools

SAN ANTONIO, Texas (KBTX) – A 20-year-old New Braunfels man pleaded guilty in federal court to one count of attempting to obtain a firearm for use in a conspiracy targeting a popular interstate store and several schools, according to federal prosecutors.

Cameron Peterson, 20, began planning mass shootings in November 2022, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

On January 4, 2024, Peterson attempted to purchase a 12-gauge shotgun at a pawn shop in New Braunfels. He passed the required background check but was denied due to his age and the type of gun he was trying to purchase.

On May 31, he tried to buy a 12-gauge shotgun resembling an assault weapon at a pawn shop, but was refused a second time.

FBI agents obtained an arrest warrant on June 5, and Peterson was immediately detained by New Braunfels police. During a search of his home, FBI agents testified that they found and confiscated a modified .22-caliber rifle with the stock cut off and six magazines holding 60 rounds.

On June 6, as part of a federal search warrant, agents examined Peterson’s Instagram account and released statements he made about plans to attack the gas station.

An investigation by KEYE-TV in Austin revealed that the target was a Buc-ee’s gas station in the New Braunfels area, as well as several area high schools.

That same day, Peterson was recorded from jail instructing a witness to hide or destroy a videotape he had made of him surveilling a grocery store in order to plan a future attack.

On June 10, another search of Peterson’s home uncovered a box containing 11 aerosol cans and other ingredients for making destructive devices. One of the containers was found to be easily triggered and was classified as an improvised explosive device (IED). The IED was not registered in the National Firearms Registry, nor could this be due to Peterson’s age.

Peterson is scheduled to be sentenced on February 5, 2025. He faces up to 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.