A California man has been arrested for plotting a coordinated attack with Wisconsin school shooter Natalie “Samantha” Rupnow.
Alexander Paffendorf, 20, of Carlsbad, was detained by FBI agents on suspicion of “conspiracy” to coordinate a mass shooting at government buildings with Rupnow, according to an emergency gun violence ban rated by the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.
“During an FBI interview, Paffendorf admitted to FBI agents that he told Rupnow he would arm himself with explosives and a handgun that he would aim at a government building,” the warrant said.
It notes that FBI agents “saw Paffendorf’s messages to Rupnow.”
A San Diego judge approved the order Tuesday, requiring Paffendorf to surrender all firearms and ammunition and banning him from acquiring any more.
Shortly afterwards, neighbors told CBS8 they saw well over a dozen police cars drive into the apartment complex where Paffendorf lives.
“They had their full guns all over the street,” said neighbor Alex Gallegos. ‘They were police cars. I estimate about fifteen officers here.’
He said he saw police coming out of the building with what he described as a “black gun case.”
A California man has been arrested for allegedly plotting a coordinated attack with Abundant Life Christian School shooter Natalie “Samantha” Rupnow (pictured)
‘I saw them carrying the big coffin. I didn’t see them arrest anyone, but they were giving high fives as it ended.”
It was not immediately clear how Paffendorf knew Rupnow, and Madison Police Chief Shon Barnes told the Journal Sentinel he had no information about the California arrest and referred questions to the FBI.
Officers were seen entering Paffedorf’s Carlsbad apartment carrying a “black gun case.”
Rupnow opened fire at Abundant Life Christian School on Monday, killing a teacher and a student before turning the gun on herself
This is a current news item and will be updated.