Feb 20 • 21:27 UTC 🇫🇷 France Le Figaro

Arrest of a Macedonian Accused of Preparing a Shooting Following an FBI Alert

A 20-year-old Macedonian man has been arrested for allegedly plotting a shooting, inspired by the Sandy Hook massacre, after an alert from the FBI.

A 20-year-old man in North Macedonia has been arrested for allegedly preparing to carry out a shooting after the FBI alerted local authorities. The arrest unfolded after the Macedonian police discovered a significant arsenal of weapons at the suspect's home, raising concerns over potential mass violence. Reports indicate that the suspect was influenced by the infamous Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting that occurred in December 2012, which left 20 children and six educators dead.

The suspect's plans were brought to light when threats made on the social media platform Discord were detected by the FBI in late January. These threats alarmed American law enforcement agencies, leading to a proactive response from both the FBI and Macedonian authorities. The arrest highlights the global implications of online platforms in facilitating threats and the importance of international cooperation in countering potential violence inspired by tragic events.

The Sandy Hook massacre serves as a grim reminder of the vulnerability that schools face, and the Macedonian police's swift action reflects the seriousness with which such threats are taken. As the investigation continues, it is crucial to understand not only the motivations behind such plots but also the broader societal factors that may contribute to individuals feeling inspired to commit acts of violence. Authorities will likely seek to monitor similar online activities to avert future incidents of this nature.

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