Hungarian teenager arrested over alleged school shooting plans in his phone

A Hungarian court has ordered the arrest of a minor suspected of planning a school shooting against classmates and a teacher after authorities uncovered evidence of radicalisation and detailed preparations on his mobile phone.

The court statement says the teenager was planning a school shooting

According to a statement from the Budapest Environs Regional Court, the case concerns alleged terrorism offences connected to organising activities in support of an extremist group. Investigators say the teenager had been following propaganda from the Islamic State for more than a year and had downloaded materials on how to manufacture explosives.

Online radicalisation and violent plans

Authorities reported that the suspect began monitoring official propaganda channels and violent videos linked to the organisation in November 2023. Over time, investigators say he became increasingly engaged with extremist content and joined online communities promoting radical ideologies.

Evidence recovered from his phone indicates that on 20 January 2025 he discussed his grievances with another person, claiming he had been humiliated by a teacher and classmates. During these conversations, he allegedly described plans of a school shooting to kill them and even carry out a suicide attack. The two also reportedly talked about targeting a restaurant. Later communications with another contact suggested the suspect intended to commit the school shooting using an assault rifle. Investigators believe he also helped another individual join an extremist online group.

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Arrest and seized evidence

The teenager planning the school shooting was arrested on 17 February 2026. Authorities confiscated his mobile phone, which reportedly contained further signs of planning activity. During a search at his father’s home, police seized a copy of the Quran, spent cartridge casings of various calibres, and a card bearing imagery resembling the extremist group’s logo. Officials say the suspect partially admitted the actions but claimed he had since distanced himself from extremist views.

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Court decision and risks cited

The investigating judge at the Budapest Environs Regional Court ordered the teenager’s detention pending further proceedings, initially until 19 March 2026 at the latest. The court cited several risks behind the decision, including the possibility that the suspect might flee, particularly given indications he had considered leaving for Kosovo. Authorities also expressed concern that he could attempt to interfere with evidence or continue preparing violent acts if released.

While prosecutors accepted the ruling, the suspect and his defence lawyer have appealed. The detention order is therefore not final, although it remains enforceable.