Seattle Man Charged for Brandishing Weapon in New Year’s Eve Crowd
A man was arrested in Seattle during New Year’s Eve festivities after brandishing a weapon in front of a large crowd. The incident occurred on Wednesday, just before the highly anticipated fireworks display at the Space Needle. Witnesses reported seeing Marcos Campos Lezama, 21, reveal a loaded shotgun while dressed in black and wearing a red hat that said “WAR.”
Incident Details
The alarming display happened in a densely populated area around 7 p.m. Police were nearby and quickly detained Lezama. Upon searching him, they found he was also in possession of a pistol and additional ammunition.
Charges and Arrest
- Charged with unlawful use of weapons to intimidate.
- Bail set at $10,000.
- Currently held at King County Correctional Facility.
Lezama appeared in court on Friday and pleaded not guilty. Court records indicate he holds a valid concealed carry permit.
Weapon and Intentions
According to police reports, Lezama’s shotgun was loaded with projectiles typically used in specific scenarios, suggesting a potential intent to use it against individuals in protective gear. Additionally, police found foam hearing protection in his pockets, an unusual item to have while carrying firearms, raising further concern over his intentions.
Context of the Threat
The police highlighted heightened security measures due to recent threats targeting New Year’s Eve celebrations nationwide. They referenced incidents like the New Orleans terror attack from the previous year and recent arrests related to a bomb plot in Los Angeles.
Investigation and Follow-Up
After Lezama’s arrest, city detectives from the criminal intelligence unit assisted patrol officers. They located his vehicle nearby, and the arson bomb squad conducted a thorough search, finding no additional weapons or explosives.
As of now, El-Balad has reached out to the Seattle City Attorney’s Office for more information regarding the case but has not received a response. Law enforcement continues to monitor the situation as they address public safety concerns related to large gatherings.
