Police in Virginia revealed that two noncitizens who “were planning to shoot up our Fourth of July celebrations” were arrested with several firearms after a tip was received by the Richmond Police Department. According to officials, a mass shooting was prevented as a result.
The RPD said that arrests were made and several firearms were taken following a phone call tip received on July 1.
According to Chief Gerald Smith, two assault rifles, one handgun, and 223 rounds of ammunition were seized.
He did not tell reporters what countries the suspects hailed from, only that they were not U.S. citizens. Smith explained that their countries are in the report but that he couldn’t remember them. He also did not clarify whether the two noncitizens were in the country legally or not.
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“We owe several lives to that one person,” Smith said of the man who submitted the tip at a Wednesday press conference. “Don’t know how he heard it, but he heard it,” he continued. The second precinct then sprang into action, and special investigators with the RPD and Department of Homeland Security began investigating.
The would-be mass shooters were planning to target the Dogwood Dell on July 4, Smith added. The Dell, as it’s called, is a 2,400-seat amphitheater in Byrd Park operated by the Department of Parks, Recreation & Community Facilities.
Beginning their investigation on July 1 after receiving the tip, officers saw evidence of “firearm related material” that was “in plain view” in the suspects’ apartment. Smith further noted that the suspects are roommates.
Police did not have a warrant but were allowed into the residence. The second suspect was not detained until July 5, as officers did not initially have probable cause.
Both suspects were charged with being noncitizens in possession of firearms.
According to the chief, the suspects’ “intent was to conduct a mass shooting.” However, their motive remains unknown.
In response to a question about the firearms, Smith said police would be working with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives to trace the weapons and ammunition.
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This story is developing and will be updated.
