Explosives could lead to federal charges against accused Texas shooter

May 21 (UPI) — Explosive devices found in connection with the Texas high school attack that killed 10 people were functional and could mean federal charges for the accused, authorities said.

Officials said testing confirmed some of the CO2 canisters wrapped in duct tape found in a vehicle and at the home of alleged shooter Dimitrios Pagourtzis, 17, were operational. The Justice Department can file additional charges against the teen, who faces state murder charges and a charge of aggravated assault on a police officer.

Investigators say Pagourtzis opened fire Friday on Santa Fe High School. Due to his age, he’s not eligible for the death penalty or life imprisonment, which means he could be paroled in 40 years.

Federal charges could be filed if evidence indicates the explosives were made with material purchased with a credit or debit card online, or if state lines were crossed to obtain them.

Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick on Sunday blamed video games and a culture of violence for the shootings, and advocated arming teachers.

“We cannot sit back and say it’s the gun; it’s us as a nation,” he told ABC News. “[Taking] the guns out of society — if you or anyone else thinks that that makes us safer, then I’m sad to say that you’re mistaken.”

“We have devalued life, whether it’s through abortion, whether it’s the breakup of families, through violent movies, and particularly violent video games, which now outsell movies and music,” Patrick added. “We need armed teachers who are trained to help repel these gun — the killers who come onto our campuses.”

After the shooting, Patrick suggested that schools have too many entrances and redesigning school grounds could help make them safer.

Texas legislators will begin three days of discussion Tuesday on school security. Gov. Greg Abbott announced a statewide moment of silence for 10 a.m. Monday.

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