Thousands gathered in Seattle this week to celebrate New Year’s Eve and watch the annual fireworks display near the Space Needle when a 21-year-old man allegedly brandished a loaded shotgun, alarming witnesses and a nearby officer, according to police.
Weaponry and Arrest
Marcos Campos Lezama was detained after he displayed the weapon in the crowded area, wearing all black clothing and a red hat with the word “WAR” on it. Officers discovered Lezama was also carrying a pistol and multiple rounds of ammunition, Seattle police said.
Lezama was taken into custody Wednesday just after 7 p.m. without incident and charged with unlawful use of weapons to intimidate, a misdemeanor offense. His bail was set at $10,000, and he is currently held at the King County Correctional Facility, court documents show. He pleaded not guilty during a court appearance Friday, though CNN has not yet determined if he has retained legal counsel.
Concerns Raised by Police
According to the police report, the shotgun Lezama carried was loaded with projectiles “typically seen by people who are planning to fire a shotgun at varying ranges “and/or when anticipating using shotguns against people with armor or using cover.” Police also noted the presence of foam hearing protection alongside the additional projectiles, which they described as “extremely uncommon with suspects possessing firearms” and indicative of intent to use the weapons.
Detectives from the city’s criminal intelligence unit responded after Lezama’s arrest and located his car. The arson bomb squad searched the vehicle for additional weapons or explosives but found none, police said.
CNN contacted the Seattle City Attorney’s Office, which filed the charges against Lezama, but did not receive an immediate response.
Broader Context
The incident occurred amid heightened security concerns surrounding New Year’s Eve celebrations nationwide. Police referenced the New Orleans terror attack last year and a recent bomb plot in Los Angeles, which led to the arrest of four individuals, as examples of potential threats.
Frequently Asked Questions
What charges is Marcos Campos Lezama facing?
Lezama is charged with unlawful use of weapons to intimidate, a misdemeanor offense.
What was Lezama doing when he was arrested?
Lezama was arrested after he allegedly opened his coat to reveal a loaded shotgun in a crowded area near the Space Needle.
Did police find any explosives in Lezama’s car?
No, the arson bomb squad searched Lezama’s car and found no weapons or explosives.
What further steps might be taken in this case, and how the legal proceedings unfold, remains to be seen.
