20-Year-Old Texan Tried to Target Buc-ee’s for a Mass Shooting

A young man from New Braunfels, Texas, might spend up to 10 years in prison after planning a mass shooting, specifically targeting the Buc-ee’s gas station in his hometown.

20-year-old Cameron Darrick Peterson pleaded guilty to attempting to get a firearm to commit a felony. He was arrested after the FBI uncovered his plans, according to a news release from the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Western District of Texas.

In May 2023, Peterson attempted to buy a 12-gauge shotgun from a New Braunfels pawn shop but was denied twice because of his age and the type of gun he wanted.

"He completed the required background check and was denied due to his age and the type of firearm he was attempting to purchase," the release continued, "On May 31, he attempted to purchase an assault weapon-style 12-gauge shotgun from the pawn shop and was denied a second time."

During a search of his home, agents found an altered .22 caliber rifle and six magazines loaded with bullets. Then, during another search of his home on June 10, authorities found 11 aerosol containers and other materials that could have been turned into bombs. The FBI said one of those items could have been made into a functional explosive.

While looking through his Instagram, the FBI discovered messages about his plans to attack the New Braunfels Buc-ees. Another chilling detail revealed that while in jail, Peterson told someone to destroy a videotape that could be used as evidence, showing him scouting out a grocery store for a future attack.

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