Florida police claim they prevented a man from executing a mass shooting at an Islamic center, according to a new report.
Bernardino Gawala Bolatete was arrested by police Monday after he attempted to purchase a gun silencer from a police officer who had gone undercover, Jacksonville Sheriff Mike Williams said, according to the Associated Press.
Police officers were warned after they received a tip that Bolatete was attempting to organize a mass shooting at the Islamic Center of Northeast Florida and subsequently started investigating Bolatete.
He was then contacted by an undercover officer, who coordinated the sale of the silencer. Bolatete shared his plans for the shooting that were recovered in recorded conversations.
After the silencer was delivered, Bolate was arrested. He is currently being held by the FBI. According to Williams, Bolatete had the enough equipment to proceed with a mass shooting.
