A Michigan man pleaded guilty to one count of committing a hate crime for trying to carry out a mass shooting at locations he associated with the LGBTQ+ community.
Mack Davis, 22, from Owosso, admitted he tried to conduct a mass killing of people at a political party headquarters and a nearby bar in the state’s east side because he associated both locations with people in the LGBTQ+ community.
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According to court documents, Davis researched online about and pay tribute to mass killers, and wrote about dozens of mass killers in journals and on other items in his home from July 2023 through June 2024.
During that period, David began plotting his own mass killing by drafting lists of weapons and tactical gear he intended to get. He also gathered an arsenal that included two guns, magazines, hundreds of rounds of ammunition, a crossbow and bolts, assorted bomb-making parts, smoke grenades, tactical gear and clothing, and several knives.
Davis also inscribed one of the knives with a homophobic slur followed by the word “killer.”
From April through June 2024, Davis planned to commit the mass shooting.
He posted on social media he intended to commit a mass killing at a political party headquarters, which Davis referred to as “Location 1.” He wrote it was “filled with far-left liberal, [expletive] scum.”
Davis wrote that he would continue the mass killing at “Location 2.” He called the bar using the same slur as the political party headquarters.
He researched both locations online, went to both places for surveillance, and posted his research on social media.
During that time, he allegedly vandalized two cars belonging to his neighbors. He reportedly knew they were gay and spray-painted a homophobic slur on one of the cars.
Days later, Davis allegedly fired about 60 bullets from his illegal short-barreled rifle into several of his neighbors’ properties, including one of the cars he previously vandalized. He was arrested for this shooting and was later transferred to federal custody, where he has remained since.
He pleaded guilty to one count of committing a hate crime on Tuesday, Dec. 17, 2024.
“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. Bias-motivated crimes targeting the LGBTQI+ community will not be tolerated. The Justice Department will continue using every tool at our disposal to protect communities from the scourge of hate-fueled violence by prosecuting those who carry out or attempt to carry out such crimes.”
Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division
“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. I applaud the work of law enforcement in disrupting this awful plot and arresting Davis before he could carry out his planned attacks. Today’s guilty plea is a reflection of my office’s commitment to prosecuting bias crimes and is a critical step in holding this defendant accountable for his actions.”
U.S. Attorney Dawn N. Ison for the Eastern District of Michigan
“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. 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. The FBI’s Detroit Field Office, Flint Resident Agency, in collaboration with the Owosso Police Department, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF), and the Michigan State Police, acted swiftly to prevent this malicious scheme from being carried out. Our collective action disrupted a serious threat and reaffirmed our commitment to protecting vulnerable communities from harm. Michigan law enforcement remains committed to ensuring all individuals live free from fear of violence or discrimination. We are dedicated to combating hate, protecting the safety and well-being of Michigan residents, and fostering a safe environment where everyone, regardless of identity, can thrive in peace.”
Special Agent in Charge Cheyvoryea Gibson of FBI Detroit Field Office
Davis' sentencing will be scheduled at a later date.
