In a concerning incident prior to Game 5 of the Stanley Cup Final between the Vegas Golden Knights and Florida Panthers, a man was apprehended by the Las Vegas police for allegedly issuing threats of a mass shooting at T-Mobile Arena. According to the Associated Press, Matthew DeSavio, 33, was taken into custody just hours before the puck drop and is now facing charges related to terrorism and mass destruction.
The police report states that DeSavio made numerous phone calls, sent text messages, and posted on social media, where he explicitly threatened to “shoot up” the Stanley Cup Final game. Although the exact nature of his threats leading up to Game 5 remains undisclosed, at least three individuals, including a former grade school acquaintance who accused DeSavio of stalking, reported his concerning posts on social media to the authorities.
One of the individuals who alerted the authorities about DeSavio’s online activities was a relative who already had a restraining order against him. Additionally, a woman, who claimed to have been harassed by DeSavio for several years, received a call from him on Tuesday, during which he stated that he was heading to her office. In response, she promptly dialed 911. ESPN reports that DeSavio was apprehended upon his arrival at the woman’s workplace. However, it is not specified in the police report whether he was found with any weapons at the time. Subsequently, DeSavio was taken to the county jail and is currently being held on a $60,000 bond. He has not yet been formally charged but is expected to appear in court later this month.
This is not the first encounter DeSavio has had with the law in Las Vegas. He has a history of run-ins with authorities dating back to 2014, having previously faced charges related to domestic battery and stalking. In October of the previous year, he was even charged with threatening an act of terrorism or mass destruction. However, the charge was dismissed in April due to the state’s inability to secure him a spot at one of its psychiatric facilities.
The city of Las Vegas experienced the deadliest mass shooting in American history in 2017, just days before the inaugural game of the Vegas Golden Knights. The tragic incident occurred on the Las Vegas Strip during the Route 91 Harvest music festival, resulting in the loss of 60 lives and injuries to over 413 individuals.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Threatening mass shooting
What was the incident surrounding the arrest at the Stanley Cup Final game?
Prior to Game 5 of the Stanley Cup Final between the Vegas Golden Knights and Florida Panthers, a man was arrested for allegedly threatening a mass shooting at T-Mobile Arena.
Who was arrested and what charges does he face?
Matthew DeSavio, a 33-year-old man, was arrested by the Las Vegas police. He is facing charges related to threatening an act of terrorism or mass destruction.
How did the man make the threats?
According to the police report, DeSavio made threatening phone calls, sent text messages, and posted on social media, explicitly stating his intention to “shoot up” the Stanley Cup Final game.
Were there any warning signs or reports made to the authorities?
Yes, at least three different individuals, including a former grade school acquaintance and a relative who had a restraining order against DeSavio, reported his posts on social media to the police.
Was anyone directly targeted or at immediate risk?
One woman, who claimed to have been harassed by DeSavio for years, received a call from him on the day of the game, where he stated he was heading to her office. She promptly called 911, leading to DeSavio’s arrest upon his arrival at her workplace.
What is the suspect’s history with the law?
DeSavio has had prior encounters with the law in Las Vegas, dating back to 2014. He has faced charges related to domestic battery and stalking. In October of the previous year, he was also charged with threatening an act of terrorism or mass destruction.
Has there been any connection to previous incidents in Las Vegas?
This incident occurred in the context of the city’s history, as Las Vegas experienced the deadliest mass shooting in American history in 2017, just days before the first game of the Vegas Golden Knights. The Route 91 Harvest music festival shooting claimed the lives of 60 people and injured over 413 others.
More about Threatening mass shooting
- Las Vegas police arrest man for allegedly threatening mass shooting at Game 5
- Man arrested for threatening mass shooting at Stanley Cup Final game
- Las Vegas police arrest man for threatening mass shooting at Stanley Cup Final
1 comment
wtf is wrong wit ppl?! threatenin a mass shootin at a sports event? dat’s messed up! glad dey caught him & hope he gets da punishment he deserves. kudos 2 da police 4 actin quickly. safety first, guys!