The FBI foils a deadly plot targeting Buc-ee High Schools in New Braunfels

SAN ANTONIO – The FBI and Joint Terrorism Task Force stopped a plot to attack the Buc-ees on I-35 and two high schools in New Braunfels.

The man planning the attack, Cameron Darrick Peterson, yesterday pleaded guilty to one of three charges against him.

My investigation led us to details that were not included in the press release sent by the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

Peterson allegedly began planning mass shootings in November 2022. In January of this year, he tried to purchase a 12-gauge shotgun from Comal Pawn, but was denied due to the type of weapon and his age.

Meanwhile, Peterson continued planning an attack on Buc-ee’s and the two high schools.

Sources say in a video recorded in a forest park in New Braunfels, he discusses the attack with his girlfriend.

The attack on the Buc-ees was intended to divert attention.

Peterson then attended two high schools, Canyon High School and the other New Braunfels High School.

Sources say Peterson was once a student at Canyon High School. People familiar with the settlement, which was heard in court Wednesday, tell me that Peterson fully constructed one improvised explosive device (IED) and had the materials to create an additional ten IEDs.

Peterson’s alleged plan was to carry out mass shootings in 2026 or earlier. However, authorities believe that after he tried to buy a gun in January and was refused, his plan changed and he may have planned to carry it out earlier.

So in May he tried to buy a gun a second time, but when he tried to buy a gun in January he was flagged for alleged lies on his federal ATF form.

Federal sources say extra precautions were taken at this year’s graduation ceremonies at both high schools because Peterson had not yet been arrested. On June 5, he was arrested.

If the judge signs a plea deal at sentencing, Peterson could spend a maximum of 10 years behind bars instead of facing 20 years to life if he went to trial and was found guilty of the three charges initially brought against him. The verdict is expected to be handed down early next year.

We called Comal ISD and New Braunfels ISD for comment. Comal ISD responded that it did not want to comment on the Peterson case.