Mack Davis, a 22-year-old from Owosso, Michigan, has pleaded guilty to committing a hate crime by attempting to carry out a mass killing. Court documents reveal that Davis targeted a political party headquarters and a nearby bar in the Eastern District of Michigan due to their association with gay people.
Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division commented on the case: “This defendant amassed an arsenal of firearms, rounds of ammunition and bombmaking parts that he intended to use to carry out the mass killing of gay people. This kind of vile and heinous hate-fueled violence, intended to target innocent people based on their sexual orientation, runs contrary to our values as Americans.”
U.S. Attorney Dawn N. Ison for the Eastern District of Michigan emphasized the seriousness of Davis’ plans: “Davis’ plans were chilling. He intended to commit mass shootings at two locations — destroying countless lives and devastating our community — all because of his fanatical hatred for gay people.”
Special Agent in Charge Cheyvoryea Gibson of FBI Detroit Field Office highlighted law enforcement's commitment: “Mack Davis’ guilty plea to a federal hate crime highlights the unwavering dedication of law enforcement to uphold the safety and security of every community in Michigan.”
From July 2023 through June 2024, Davis researched mass killers online and planned his own attack by acquiring weapons and tactical gear. By June, he had gathered firearms, ammunition, bomb-making materials, smoke grenades, tactical clothing, knives inscribed with slurs, and other items.
Davis posted on social media about his intentions for attacks at what he referred to as "Location 1" and "Location 2," expressing hatred towards individuals associated with these places. He also vandalized neighbors' property with anti-gay graffiti.
The Owosso Police Department arrested Davis following a shooting incident involving one of his illegal firearms. He was later transferred to federal custody.
A sentencing hearing will be scheduled soon. Given that Davis’s crime involved an attempt to kill, he faces up to life imprisonment. The sentence will be determined by a federal district court judge considering various guidelines and factors.
The investigation was conducted by the FBI Detroit Field Office with assistance from local law enforcement agencies including Owosso Police Department, ATF, and Michigan State Police. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Frances Lee Carlson and Christopher W. Rawsthorne along with Trial Attorney Erin Monju from the Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section.