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Helena man accused of threatening school pleads guilty to possessing homemade explosives

Helena man accused of threatening school pleads guilty to possessing explosives
Logan Pallister explosive devices
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HELENA — A Helena man accused of making threats against Helena Public Schools has admitted to possessing homemade bombs.

On Tuesday,Logan Pallister, 25, pleaded guilty to possession of unregistered destructive devicesand an unregistered silencer in federal court.

Logan Pallister

Helena Police were advised of a possible school threat on the evening of Monday, May 30, 2022. A person had contacted law enforcement saying Pallister was allegedly in possession of firearms and multiple bombs. The person further stated Pallister allegedly had the desire to commit a “Columbine-style” attack at a local high school. Pallister also allegedly threatened to kill the individual if the person told anyone about the devices.

Pallister was arrested at his residence on the morning of May 31, 2022, wearing a black trench coat and carrying a bag.

Logan Pallister explosive devices

Law enforcement found eight firearms concealed on his person. A search warrant was served at Pallister’s car and residence. During their search of his vehicle, officers found nine additional firearms, numerous rounds of ammunition, a Fram oil filter that appeared to have been modified to function as a homemade silencer and four suspected pipe bombs.

Logan Palister devices

A Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives expert examined the pipe bombs, determined that they contained an explosive mixture that, when ignited, would result in an explosion, and concluded the four pipe bombs were destructive devices.

Explosive device
Photos: U.S. Attorney’s Office

Sentencing has been set for May 22, 2024, in Great Falls before Judge Brian Morris.

Pallister faces a maximum of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release on each charge.