Ex-Student Attacks Multiple Staff Members at California Special Needs School

Authorities reported that a former student carried out a violent attack at a private special needs school in Torrance, California, on Monday morning. The individual allegedly stabbed three staff members and attempted to plant bombs in the nearby area.

The incident occurred around 8:15 a.m. at Switzer Learning Center, which serves neurodivergent students from kindergarten through 12th grade. The suspect was reportedly armed with a knife and was involved in knifing three staff members. During the incident, he also tried to attack a fourth staffer but was stopped and apprehended by police.

While in custody, the suspect claimed to police that he had placed two pipe bombs close to the school, near 208th Street and Amapola Avenue. The Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department bomb squad responded promptly, locating and safely detonating two incendiary devices on-site. Authorities issued a warning to residents to stay away from the area during the operation.

Two staff members were hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries, and one was treated on the scene. The motive behind the attack remains unclear, and the suspect’s identity has not been disclosed.

A parent waiting to pick up her autistic son described her anxiety as she learned about the attack. She recounted that her son had been in the cafeteria when the chaos erupted. He witnessed someone being assaulted and quickly took action by hiding in a storage room, barricading the door with a chair, and covering himself with trash bags along with other students.

The investigation continues as authorities work to establish the details and motives behind this disturbing incident.