A 17-year-old resident of south Fort Worth is facing adult charges after law enforcement uncovered a sophisticated plot to commit mass violence at 14 North Texas schools. Evan Banda was arrested on January 8, 2026, following an investigation that linked local arson incidents to an international extremist organization.
The Investigation: From Arson to Terrorism
The case began with five car arsons in south Fort Worth. However, the Fort Worth Police Department (FWPD) and the Arson Unit soon discovered a deeper connection between Banda and a series of viral “shock videos” shared on social media.
- The Threat: In the videos, a person wearing a hockey mask threatened to be “as cruel as possible,” stating intentions to kill indiscriminately using rifles, explosives, and blades.
- Overseas Ties: Investigators determined the videos were developed by an international neo-Nazi and accelerationist extremist group. The organization reportedly adheres to a “Nihilistic National Socialist” philosophy, blending extremist political ideologies with occult influences.
- Specific Targets: A second video posted by the group listed 14 specific schools and claimed the suspect possessed 700 rounds of ammunition with a goal of killing more than 50 children.
Schools Listed in the Threats
The following 14 campuses were explicitly named in the extremist group’s video description:
- High Schools: Arlington Heights, South Hills, Lake Dallas, Castleberry, Nolan Catholic, Watson, Timber Creek, Eagle Mountain, Diamond Hill-Jarvis, and North Crowley.
- Elementary/Public Schools: Andrews, Baranoff, Barrington, and RMA Fort Worth.
Legal Status and Charges
Banda is currently being held in the Tarrant County Jail and will be prosecuted as an adult. He faces a litany of charges, including:
- Terrorism and Terroristic Threat
- Multiple Counts of Arson
- Possession of Child Pornography
The affidavit also reveals that a student at North Crowley High School has been identified as a “person of interest.” This individual allegedly assisted Banda by providing school start times and logistical information. The investigation remains active to determine if other associates were involved in the planned violence.
