A grandma’s bold and brave decision has averted another tragedy like the recent shootings at El Paso and Walmart.
The US Attorney’s Office of the Northern District of Texas announced that 19-year-old William Patrick Williams had planned a horrific mass shooting but was arrested by the FBI and ATF agents before he could execute his plan.
William was fully prepared for the attack. He has been keeping an AK-47 rifle and other accessories in the hotel he was staying at.
Fortunately, the teenager opened up about his destructive plan to his grandmother, revealing how he will ‘shoot up’ the hotel he was staying at and then ‘commit suicide by cop.’
After learning about his plans, the admirable grandma managed to persuade him to have a psychiatric evaluation.
She took him to a nearby hospital, and the teen eventually agreed to let his hotel room searched by the law enforcement officers.
The police entered his room and found several knives, an AK-47, 17 loaded magazines, a black trench coat, black tactical pants, black tactical gloves without fingertips, and a black t-shirt reading: ‘Let ‘Em Come.’
William later revealed that he deliberately spread the ammunition on his bed so that the police could take it in custody.
Admiring the old lady for averting a tragedy, US Attorney Erin Nealy Cox said: “This was a tragedy averted. I want to praise the defendant’s grandmother, who saved lives by interrupting this plot, as well as the Lubbock police officers and federal agents who investigated his unlawful acquisition of a deadly weapon.
“If you suspect a friend or loved one is planning violence against themselves or others, do not hesitate to seek help immediately by calling law enforcement.”
The ATF (Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives) later discovered the transaction form which William signed to buy the ammunition.
He had deceived the seller by lying about his residence and other details.
The 19-year-old is now facing charges of presenting fake identification to an ammunition dealer, an offense that can leave him with five years of jail time.
“The FBI worked closely with our partners at the ATF and Lubbock Police Department to prevent the defendant from potentially committing a violent act,” said Matthew DeSarno, special agent in charge of the Dallas Field Office.
“This case is a perfect example of law enforcement agencies coming together to find a solution that protected the public from harm.”