Photo: Rattankun Thongbun / iStock / Getty Images
Authorities in Pontiac, Michigan, successfully prevented a potential mass shooting at a high school graduation ceremony on Tuesday (June 3). According to Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard, deputies responded to a fight at the Arts and Technology Academy of Pontiac's graduation held at the United Wholesale Mortgage Sports Complex. During the investigation, they were alerted to a Snapchat threat to attack the ceremony.
The police discovered two loaded guns with high-capacity magazines hidden under cars in the parking lot. Sheriff Bouchard stated, "I believe we probably prevented a mass shooting." The weapons included a pink AR-style pistol and a black semi-automatic handgun, each equipped with 40-round magazines.
One suspect, 19-year-old Deahveon Shamar-James Whaley, was arrested at the scene. However, the second suspect, 20-year-old Jamarion Jaryante Hardiman, remains at large. Both individuals have prior histories involving weapons and violence. Sheriff Bouchard urged the public to report any sightings of Hardiman by calling 911.
The suspects, who are not students at the school, were linked to the event through friends and family and had ongoing disputes with community members. The sheriff emphasized the importance of community vigilance, noting that the Snapchat threat was only reported after deputies arrived.
The school expressed relief that the incident was quickly contained and the ceremony continued without further disruption. The Oakland County Sheriff's Office continues to investigate, urging anyone with information to contact them.