Richmond Police Chief Gerald M Smith gestures during a press conference at Richmond Virginia Police headquarters Wednesday July 6, 2022, in Richmond, Va. (AP Photo/Steve Helber)
OAN NEWSROOM
UPDATED 3:45 PM PT – Friday, July 8, 2022
Authorities arrested two illegal migrants suspected of plotting a mass shooting in Virginia. On Wednesday, police in Richmond announced they had apprehended Julio Alvarado-Dubon and Rolman Balcercel after receiving a tip they were planning a mass shooting during a Fourth of July celebration.
“We do know that they were coming to do a mass shooting at the Dogwood Dell at our Fourth of July celebration,” Richmond Police Chief Gerald Smith said. “I don’t know if they’re really speaking to investigators at this point in time.”
Authorities seized two so-called assault rifles, one handgun and 200 rounds of ammunition during a search at a Richmond home the two men were living at.
RELEASE: Richmond Police Department received a tip about a planned mass shooting for July 4th. pic.twitter.com/ltmY4pgcBz
— Richmond Police (@RichmondPolice) July 6, 2022
The two who are reportedly Guatemalan nationals have been charged with being non-US citizens in possession of a firearm. Police hailed the person who provided the tip about the alleged shooting plot as a “hero citizen.”
I want to thank and applaud the hero in Virginia that stopped a potential massacre by alerting our brave Richmond Police Department Officers that work tirelessly every day to protect our communities. Its a great reminder that if you see something, say something to your local PD.
— Governor Glenn Youngkin (@GovernorVA) July 6, 2022
Alvarado-Dubon has a preliminary hearing set for early next month. The other suspect is currently being held at Albemarle-Charlottesville Regional Jail. Police have yet to determine a motive behind the foiled plot.
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