BOSTON (CBS) — Boston police have arrested two men and seized weapons over violent social media threats directed at attendees of the Pokemon World Championships.
Police said in a statement they received information about the threats on Thursday and the two men from Iowa were stopped attempting to enter the event at the Hynes Convention Center in Boston hours later.
“Detectives were informed that the suspects had driven to the event from Iowa and were in possession of several firearms in their vehicle,” police said. “Officers seized the vehicle, and the suspects were released pending a search warrant.”
Detectives executed a search warrant for the vehicle on Friday and found “one 12-gauge Remington shotgun, one DPM5 Model AR-15 rifle, several hundred rounds of ammunition, and a hunting knife.”
An arrest warrant was then issued for the men, who were taken into custody at a Saugus hotel.
Kevin Norton, 18, and James Stumbo, 27, are both charged with unlawful possession of a firearm, unlawful possession of ammunition, and other “firearm-related charges.” They’re expected to be arraigned at Boston Municipal Court.
The championships began Friday and were scheduled to wrap up Sunday.
Players at the Pokemon World Championships on Friday (WBZ-TV)
The Pokémon Company International released a statement Sunday afternoon regarding the arrests:
“Prior to the event this weekend, our community of players made us aware of a security issue. We gathered information and gave it as soon as possible to the authorities at the John B. Hynes Veterans Memorial Convention Center who acted swiftly and spearheaded communication with the Boston Police Department,” the company said. “Due to quick action, the potential threat was resolved. The Pokémon Company International takes the safety of our fans seriously and will continue to ensure proper security measures are a priority.”
A Facebook post from Stumbo Wednesday morning shows two weapons on the back of a car. The post read: “Kevin Norton and I are ready for worlds. Boston here we come!!”
Norton apparently responded to the post, writing, “with killing the competition.”
The firearms on the car match the ones seized by Boston Police.
A Facebook post from one of the suspects seems to show the guns Boston police later seized (WBZ)
“The Pokémon Trading Card Game World Championships is an invitation-only event, meaning only those players who earn an official invite from Pokémon Organized Play will be able to compete for the title of Pokémon World Champion,” the event’s website states. “Players who do not receive an official invite from Pokémon Organized Play can compete in side events, watch the main event, or participate in other great activities!”