Prosecutor files terrorism charge against 19-year-old N.J. man
A 19-year-old man who authorities allege threatened to shoot students and faculty at his high school graduation is now facing an additional charge of terrorism.
(Courtesy/Ocean County Prosecutor's Office)
A 19-year-old man who authorities allege threatened to shoot students and faculty at his high school graduation is now facing an additional charge of terrorism.
Matthew Vanderbeek, 19, of Cream Ridge was arrested last week after he allegedly posted the threat against the New Egypt High School graduation in Ocean County on social media, according to the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office.
He was initially charged last Tuesday with third-degree terroristic threats with a threat to kill and second-degree attempt to possess a firearm for an unlawful purpose.
The new charge, terrorism, is a first-degree offense punishable by 30 years to life in prison.
The Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office received written authorization from New Jersey Attorney General Gurbir Grewal to file the additional charge.
Vanderbeek remains incarcerated at the Ocean County Jail in Toms River.
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