NORWALK, Conn. _ Norwalk police and federal agents seized firearms, ammunition and titanium-plated body armor and arrested a man "who had showed his interest in committing a mass shooting," authorities said Thursday.
Brandon Wagshol, 22, was charged with four counts of illegal possession of large capacity magazines and was being held on bail of $250,000 for a Superior Court appearance Friday.
The FBI's National Threat Operations Center received a tip that Wagshol was trying to buy large capacity magazines from out of state, officials said. Federal and local police also found that he was buying parts for a rifle online, police said.
Wagshol had posted on Facebook that he had an interest in committing a mass shooting, authorities said. On Wednesday evening, he was detained as law enforcement officers searched his home. Officers seized a .40-caliber handgun, .22-caliber rifle, a rifle scope with laser, firearm optic sites, firearm flashlight, numerous and numerous rounds of ammunition, authorities said.
They also seized body armor with a titanium plate, a camouflage shirt, pants and belt, ballistic helmet, tactical gloves, camouflage bag and computers, Norwalk police said. The firearms were registered to Wagshol's father, who lives at the same address, but the younger Wagshol had access to the weapons, police said.
FBI Special Agent in Charge Brian Turner said "a tip from a vigilant citizen helped the FBI and the Norwalk police department disrupt a potentially dangerous situation."
"We are thankful for our partnership with the FBI and fantastic teamwork that quickly brought this investigation from a tip to an arrest," police Chief Thomas Kulhawik said. "I applaud the excellent work of our officers and the FBI agents that assisted _ and remind people, if they see something, say something."
