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The Department of Justice has announced that a 22-year-old man has pleaded guilty to a federal hate crime for plotting a mass shooting targeting LGBTQ+ individuals.
What’s the deal: In a readout provided by the DOJ, Mack Davis, a 22-year-old man from Owosso, Michigan, pleaded guilty to federal hate crime charges after plotting a mass shooting targeting LGBTQ+ individuals. Davis admitted to planning attacks on two specific locations: a political party headquarters and a nearby bar, both of which he associated with the LGBTQ+ community. Evidence revealed that Davis intended to target the headquarters of a left-leaning political party, which he referred to in hateful online posts as being “filled with far-left liberal, f-ggot scum,” before proceeding to attack a bar he described as a “f-ggot bar.“ His plans included the use of both guns and explosives.
During their investigation, Investigators uncovered an extensive arsenal of weapons Davis had amassed, including hundreds of rounds of ammunition, knives (one inscribed with an anti-gay slur), bomb-making components, tactical gear, and smoke grenades. Over the course of nearly a year, Davis meticulously researched and glorified mass killers online, documented his plans in journals, and conducted surveillance of his intended targets. Social media posts and physical reconnaissance revealed detailed preparations, with Davis crossing off items from his checklist of weapons and gear by June 2024.
Reactions from US officials: In a statement, US Attorney Dawn N. Ison for the Eastern District of Michigan said, “Davis’ plans were chilling. He intended to commit mass shootings at two locations — destroying countless lives and devastating our community — all because of his fanatical hatred for gay people. I applaud the work of law enforcement in disrupting this awful plot and arresting Davis before he could carry out his planned attacks. Today’s guilty plea is a reflection of my office’s commitment to prosecuting bias crimes and is a critical step in holding this defendant accountable for his actions.”
Special Agent in Charge Cheyvoryea Gibson of FBI Detroit Field Office said, “Mack Davis’ guilty plea to a federal hate crime highlights the unwavering dedication of law enforcement to uphold the safety and security of every community in Michigan. This case serves as a stark reminder that there is no tolerance for hate-fueled violence. Davis confessed to devising a plan motivated by his deep-seated hatred, targeting innocent individuals associated with the LGBTQIA+ community.”
