Download the all-new Republic app:

Published 17:48 IST, September 22nd 2019

US police have seen a rise in threat tips in the wake of mass killings

The US police have witnessed a rise in threat tips after three mass killings that took place in El Paso a town in Texas, Ohio, and Dayton in the month of August

Reported by: Ruchit Rastogi
Follow: Google News Icon
  • share
null | Image: self
Advertisement

According to international media reports, a 37-year-old cook at the Long Beach Mariott Hotel, California, Rodolfo Montoya threatened to kill his colleagues and guests in the hotel. Montoya was arrested a day after he made the threat by the concerned authorities. The authorities also found six guns that included an AR-15 rifle and more than 500 bullets along with a bulletproof vest in a motor home that belonged to him. 

Increase in Threat tips

In the past few weeks, the USA witnessed 3 shootings in 3 different states that claimed lives of more than 24 people. As per reports, concerned officials have said that have seen an increase in the number of tips from friends and family of those who they think might carry out a mass shooting. According to international news agencies, some of the people who planned on being the next mass shooters posted on social media platforms that they wanted to beat the score of the previous mass shootings that took place.

Advertisement

People from the Law enforcement told the media that sometimes it was the alleged impact of how the news coverage of mass shootings, which prompts more individuals to try and copy the killers. They further added that in different cases, it is a reflection of the overall population being progressively mindful of obvious signs when a companion or relative or associate needs some kind of mental help and that leads them to inform the police.

READ | United States: Sandy Hook Releases PSA Citing Mass Shootings In US

Advertisement

All things considered, the Federal Bureau of Investigation gets around 22,000 tips about potential dangers of shootings week after week and that volume expanded by around 15,000 after the prominent shootings during the main seven day stretch of August in Gilroy, California; El Paso, Texas; and Dayton, Ohio that killed 34 individuals and injured about 70. 

READ | South Carolina Bar Shooting: Two People Killed, Eight Injured

Advertisement

A noble gesture

Police head, Robert Luna, thanked the hotel staff of tipping off them off because of which a potential mass shooting was averted. Luna further added that about the courage the staff showed instead of visiting them in hospitals or at their graves. 

Luna said in a public interview that his area of expertise frequently handles dangers of mass shootings yet the Marriott case was strange on the grounds that Montoya, a cook disgruntled by HR issues, had the firearms and ammo to complete his plan.

Advertisement

Montoya has been imprisoned for the absence of a $500,000 bail and has pleaded not guilty to charges in relation to his criminal activities and ownership of weapons he was going to use in the shooting. He faces over five years in jail if convicted of the charges.

READ | Washington D.C: Shooting At Columbia Heights Leaves Four Injured  

READ | Ohio Shooter's Sister Among 9 Victims

11:21 IST, September 22nd 2019