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Texas Grandmother Helps Prevent Mass Shooting By Bringing Grandson To Hospital Following Threats
In the wake of two mass shootings over the weekend, a grandmother prevented an act of domestic terrorism that her grandson had planned to carry out at a hotel in Texas.
According to a criminal complaint, William Patrick Williams from Lubbock, called his grandmother on July 13 and told her he was homicidal and suicidal.
The 19-year-old had planned to go on a shooting spree at a local hotel with his recently purchased AK-47 and then "commit suicide by cop."
She responded by convincing Williams to help her bring him to a local hospital instead.
Federal authorities believe that another act of violence was prevented because the grandmother listened and acted accordingly.
U.S. Attorney Nealy Cox told the news outlet:
"This was a tragedy averted. I want to praise the defendant's grandmother, who saved lives by interrupting this plot."
Redditors commended the grandmother for recognizing his cry for help.
"She listened, and she gave a s**t. If more people would do these two simple things, more tragedies would probably be averted." – linda-stanley
"People are quick to write off someone as crazy when they need help the most. Sometimes, even against someone's behest, if they're genuinely a threat to themselves it's worth calling for help." – ThatGuy798
Twitter also praised her for potentially saving many lives.
When searching Williams's hotel room where he was staying, police discovered the weapon he had mentioned to his grandmother along with 17 magazines loaded with 7.62 ammunition, and multiple knives.
They also found black tactical pants, a black trench coat, black tactical gloves with the fingers cut off, and a black T-shirt that read "Let 'Em Come."
Police said Williams gave false information and a relative's address where he no longer resided when filling out the requisite forms to purchase the firearm on July 11.
People had questions about the system that allows young adults to buy guns.
Praise for the grandmother continued, and she reminded people of the importance of communication among family and friends.
On Thursday after a brief hospitalization, Williams was arrested by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the FBI for providing false information to the arms dealer.
According to the statement, the filed criminal complaint is a "formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence."
He is scheduled to appear in court on Friday.
For violent tendencies identified early, the book Hope for the Violently Aggressive Child: New Diagnoses and Treatments that Work is available here.
If Williams is convicted, he could face up to five years in federal prison.
In his statement, Cox added:
"If you suspect a friend or loved one is planning violence against themselves or others, do not hesitate to seek help immediately by calling law enforcement."