A Somerset County high school student accused of planning a mass shooting at his school’s graduation appeared in court.
Jacob Deneen, 18, is accused of planning an attack on Shade Junior-Senior High School.
Wednesday, a judge continued Deneen’s preliminary hearing until he can get an attorney, telling Deneen “You need counsel to represent you on this.”
Police say Deneen admitted to planning an attack at the high school’s graduation and another attack last week.
The 18-year-old was arrested after police were tipped off about the potential threat.
Police said Deneen confessed to planning the attack along with two other juveniles. One juvenile has been charged so far. School officials said others may be arrested in this case.
Deneen is charged with risking a catastrophe and terroristic threats.
WTAJ spoke with Deneen as police escorted him out of the courthouse.
WTAJ: “Jacob, were you planning to shoot your classmates?”
Deneen: “Never.”
WTAJ: “Why?”
Deneen: “Because I don’t like to hurt people.”
Deneen’s preliminary hearing is postponed until March 14th.
He’s being held at the Somerset County Jail.
