Man 'Showed Interest' In Mass Shooting, Guns Seized: Norwalk PD

NORWALK, CT — A 22-year-old Norwalk man was arrested on weapons charges Thursday after police said investigators discovered that the suspect was building a rifle and had expressed interest in "committing a mass shooting," announced Norwalk Police Chief Thomas Kulhawik and FBI Special Agent-In-Charge Brian C. Turner.

Brandon Wagshol, of Bedford Avenue, was apprehended outside of his home on Wednesday evening by members of the Norwalk Police Special Services division, and he was charged with four counts of Illegal Possession of Large Capacity Magazines.

Prior to his arrest, the Federal Bureau of Investigation National Threat Operations Center received a tip that Wagshol was attempting to buy the rifle magazine from out of state, and he had written about his interest in committing a mass shooting in a post on Facebook.

"We are thankful for our partnership with the FBI and fantastic teamwork that quickly brought this investigation from a tip to an arrest," said Chief Kulhawik in a statement. "I applaud the excellent work of our officers and the FBI agents that assisted and remind people, if they see something, say something."

The arrest comes at a time when there is heightened sensitivity around the country to the potential of gun violence, following the mass shootings in El Paso and Dayton, and Wednesday night's standoff in Philadelphia where six police officers were shot.

After receiving the tip, the FBI and the Norwalk Police Department began a joint investigation, and investigators soon found that Wagshol "was buying rifle parts online in an attempt to build his own rifle."

Authorities obtained a warrant, and after taking Wagshol into custody, members of the Norwalk Police Emergency Services Unit Tactical Response Team searched his home.

During the search officers seized:

• .40 caliber handgun
• .22 caliber rifle
• Rifle scope with laser
• 4- firearm optic [sights]
• Firearm flashlight
• Numerous .40 caliber, .22 caliber and .300 Blackout rounds of ammunition
• Body armor with a titanium plate
• Camouflage shirt, pant and belt
• Ballistic helmet
• Tactical gloves
• Camouflage bag
• Computers

The firearms are registered to Wagshol’s father who resides at the residence, according to police, but the weapons were accessible to Wagshol.

"Today's arrest demonstrates the FBI's commitment to working closely with our local law enforcement partners to mitigate this type of threat to our area,' said FBI Special Agent in Charge Turner. "With our local partners we gather, share and act upon threat information as it comes to our attention. As in this case, a tip from a vigilant citizen helped the FBI and the Norwalk Police Department disrupt a potentially dangerous situation. We continue to urge the public to please remain alert and to report to law enforcement any suspicious activity that is observed either in person or online. We thank the Norwalk Police Department for their partnership in resolving this matter."

Wagshol is being held in lieu of bail of $250,000, and he is scheduled to be arraigned in Norwalk Superior Court on Aug. 16.