Michigan Man Plotted Mass Killing of Gay Community

A Michigan resident pled guilty to plotting a mass killing of the gay community with an arsenal of guns and bomb making parts.

What's New

Mack Davis, 22, of Owosso, Michigan was charged with one count of committing a hate crime, after his plans to attack a political party headquarters and a bar that he associated with gay people were uncovered.

According to the Justice Department (DOJ), Davis was arrested earlier this year for shooting approximately 60 bullets into several of his neighbors' yards with an illegal short-barreled rifle.

Davis remained in prison after that arrest when the police uncovered the extent of his plans to murder people in the LGBTQ+ community.

Why It Matters

This attempted mass murder comes at the same time that anti-LGBTQ+ sentiments have been presented by Michigan lawmakers.

Michigan state representative, Josh Schriver, posted on X (formerly Twitter) on December 2: "Make gay marriage illegal again. This is not remotely controversial or extreme."

Schriver then doubled down on his anti-LGBTQ+ posts on December 4, discussing the State House's move to remove a defunct anti-sodomy law from its book.

Michigan's anti-sodomy law, which was used in the past to persecute LGBTQ+ people, has been defunct since the Supreme Court invalidated all anti-sodomy laws in 2003.

State Representative Noah Arbit has called for this bill to be officially repealed out of concern that if the Supreme Court repeals their anti-sodomy ban, then it would be legal to arrest LGBTQ+ people in Michigan for their sex lives.

However, Rep. Scrhiver posted: "The mouth and anus are not reproductive organs. Sodomy is indeed a crime against God and natural order.

"This sin releases plagues of disease, promiscuity and perversion into our local communities. Repent, yield to Christ, be fruitful and multiply!"

Representative Schriver was not advocating for physical violence against the gay community with his posts. Rep. Schriver has been contacted by Newsweek via email for comment.

According to the DOJ, Davis spoke frequently on social media about his plans to murder gay people, but was only caught after firing his gun into his neighbors' properties.

Davis spent time on social media sites paying tributes to mass killers, and between April and June posted on a site about his intent to commit a mass killing at "Location 1," a political party headquarters which he said was "filled with far-left liberal, f****t scum." And, at "Location 2," a bar nearby which Davis said was for gay people.

He also wrote on social media about the online and physical surveillance research he had done of both places.

What To Know

Davis plotted his mass killing by acquiring grenades, bomb-making parts, two guns, magazines, a crossbow and arrows, hundreds of ammunition rounds, and knives, and inscribed one of the knives with the slur "F****t Killer."

This is not the first anti-LGBTQ+ crime committed by Davis, as he had vandalized the cars of his gay neighbours earlier this year with an anti-gay slur.

He has now pled guilty to "one count of committing a hate crime by attempting to carry out a mass killing," and is awaiting sentencing.

What People Are Saying

U.S. Attorney Dawn N. Ison for the Eastern District of Michigan said: "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."

The seal of the Department of Justice is pictured, Aug. 1, 2023, in Washington. Mack Davis is in federal custody for attempting a hate crime against the gay community. Scott Applewhite/Associated Press

Special Agent in Charge Cheyvoryea Gibson of FBI Detroit Field Office said: "This case serves as a stark reminder that there is no tolerance for hate-fueled violence.

"Davis confessed to devising a plan motivated by his deep-seated hatred, targeting innocent individuals associated with the LGBTQIA+ community."

What Happens Next

Davis is still in federal custody. Per the DOJ, his sentencing is being scheduled for a later date. He faces a maximum penalty of life in prison, as his hate crime included an attempt to kill. This sentence will be determined by a federal district court judge.