Waseca Holding Community Meeting After Teen's Deadly Plot

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) – Officials said after the series of events surrounding a Waseca teen accused of plotting to kill his family and plant bombs around area schools, a community meeting will be held Friday night to discuss enhanced security measures.

John David Ladue, 17, was charged Thursday with attempted murder, possessing explosives and attempting to damage property after he allegedly planted several devices at a school playground. According to court documents, he had also obtained weapons and had intended to kill his father, mother, sister and a school liaison officer. Ladue Had also intended to plant devices at Waseca Junior and Senior High School.

It's disturbing news for a small community in southern Minnesota. Ladue was arrested Tuesday after Waseca Police and the Bloomington Bomb Squad executed search warrants at his home and at a storage facility in Waseca. He told police he intended to cause as much damage as possible and expect SWAT teams to kill him.

Waseca schools are closed Friday, but officials said it had been a pre-planned closing before the charges against Ladue became public. There will be a meeting at 5:30 p.m. Friday in the theatre at Waseca High School for families to communicate plans for the school district moving forward.

Officials said there will be a two-day training session from the Department of Homeland Security involving all schools, local law enforcement and fire departments. School counselors will also be on hand to provide support.