Two illegal immigrants arrested in Virginia were planning 'potential massacre'
The men, both from Guatemala, were subsequently charged with possession of firearms by non-U.S. citizens. The motive of the two illegal immigrants from Guatemala remains unclear
July 8, 2022 9:12am
Updated: July 8, 2022 11:30am
Two men arrested earlier this month for planning a mass shooting at a Fourth of July fireworks celebration in Richmond, Virginia were illegal immigrants, according to a report from the Washington Free Beacon.
During the arrests of Julio Alvardo-Dubon and Rolman Balacarcel, who were planning an attack at the Dogwood Dell Amphitheater, Richmond police seized hundreds of rounds of ammunition, as well as two assault-style rifles and one handgun. The men, both from Guatemala, were subsequently charged with possession of firearms by non-U.S. citizens.
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
It is unclear where the men obtained their weapons and ammunition and Richmond law enforcement officers say they are working with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives to determine the origins of the supplies. Under federal law, neither man was allowed to purchase a firearm.
According to court filings reported on by the Associated Press, both men were living in the United States illegally, one on an expired visa.
Though the intent of the two men is known, their motivation to conduct a mass shooting remains unclear.
Police were notified to the plot by an anonymous tipster, who Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin (R) called a "hero."
