The gunman who murdered five people in a shooting spree in Plymouth has been named as apprentice crane operator and self-described “incel” Jake Davison.
In the UK’s first mass shooting in more than a decade, the 22-year-old shot his mother, a three-year-old girl and her father, and a 59-year-old man and a 66-year-old woman, who all died.
He also shot and injured two other people during the spree – which lasted around six minutes – before turning the gun on himself.
The 22-year-old had been an apprentice at Babcock since August last year, according to a spokesperson for the international aerospace, defence and security company.
He had a firearms licence and his gun was taken away last December, following an assault allegation several months earlier in September. His firearm licence and gun were returned weeks before Thursday’s shooting.
According to reports, Davison‘s firearms licence was returned after he attended an anger management course.
The police watchdog has said it will investigate Devon and Cornwall Police’s decision-making in relation to Davison’s possession of the weapon and certificate.
Davison posted on a YouTube channel under the name Professor Waffle.
His social media use suggests an obsession with the “incel“ culture, meaning “involuntary celibate” , a culture which has amassed a following online among some men who feel they are being oppressed by women due to a perceived lack of sexual interest.
Nazir Afzal, who was previously chief crown prosecutor for the North West, said Davison‘s social media posts painted a picture of a man who thought women were “lesser beings”.
Davison had also posted support for President Trump on his social media.
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In one post on Facebook, Mr Davison reposted a photo of the former US President with a quote that read: “In America, we do not seek to impose our way of life on anyone, but rather to let it shine as an example for everyone to watch.”
He also updated his Facebook cover photo to a picture of a bald eagle – the emblem of the United States – standing in front of the American flag.
Davison had also "liked" a series of videos about guns on social media.
Police have said they are looking into the 22-year-old’s activity on social media, his hard drive and his phone use in the wake of Thursday’s attack.
