Police officers believe a potential mass shooting was prevented at the Bass Canyon EDM festival on August 19, 2022, in Grant County, Washington. Event security and witnesses notified police after watching a man in the parking lot inhale an unknown substance, produce two 9-mm pistols from the trunk of his car and load them with ammunition. He then placed one pistol in his waistband and the other in a holster before asking concertgoers what time the event ended and where people would be exiting the venue.

The suspect was detained by security outside of the venue and then arrested on suspicion of one count of possession of a dangerous weapon, and one count of unlawful carrying or handling of a weapon. Authorities booked him into Grant County Jail. 

Grant County authorities thanked the concertgoers who reported the suspect, as well as on-site security for preventing the man from getting inside the concert venue.

Citizens saw something unusual and notified security, who then notified authorities. That combination of awareness, along with speaking up, resulted in a possible tragedy being prevented. After a thorough investigation, the Grant County Sheriff’s office believed that the individual was not planning a mass shooting.

Richards, Will, August 22, 2022, Grant County, Washington, www.nme.com/news/music/-state-police-believe-they-stopped-a-mass-shooting-at-edm-festival-3294978.