Michigan Graduation Mass Shooting Plot Thwarted, One Suspect Arrested

PONTIAC, MI — Authorities successfully stopped a possible mass shooting plot at a graduation ceremony in Michigan, Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard announced Friday. One suspect has been arrested, while a second remains at large.

Michigan graduation mass shooting plot

The potential attack was uncovered following a fight during the Arts and Technology Academy of Pontiac graduation on Tuesday. Deputies responded to the incident after receiving a tip about a Snapchat threat to shoot up the event.

Law enforcement officers recovered two loaded guns with high-capacity magazines hidden under vehicles in the parking lot, preventing what Sheriff Bouchard called a “probably prevented mass shooting.”

19-year-old Deahveon Shamar-James Whaley has been arrested in connection with the plot. Authorities are actively searching for 20-year-old Jamarion Jaryante Hardiman, who remains a suspect.

Neither suspect attended the charter school but were connected to individuals in the community through friends and relatives. Both have histories involving weapons and violence, according to Sheriff Bouchard.

The sheriff expressed alarm at how close the situation came to becoming a tragedy, urging the public to remain vigilant and report any threats. “If you see something, say something,” he emphasized.

Anyone with information about Hardiman’s whereabouts is encouraged to call 911 immediately.