Man planned mass shooting at Islamic center, police say

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — A man living in Jacksonville, Florida, was arrested after investigators say he planned a mass shooting at an Islamic Center.

>> Read more trending news

Bernandino Bolatete, 69, is facing a federal charge for possessing a silencer not registered to him, according to officials.

Officials began investigating Bolatete in late October after a confidential source said he was planning an attack on the Islamic Center, Jacksonville Sheriff Mike Williams said.

TRENDING NOW:

• Summit Academy teacher accused of sex with student in her classroom
• Man who killed fiancee's son found guilty, sentenced to life in prison
• Woman shot to death in car with infant inside
• RAW VIDEO: Truck hauling lumber overturns near Monroeville

An undercover officer got in contact with Bolatete and federal and state investigators were notified, Williams said.

The investigation confirmed Bolatete had plans to carry out a mass shooting at the Islamic Center of Northeast Florida and had weapons to do so, according to officials.

Bolatete was arrested Dec. 1 after officials say he asked an undercover JSO detective for help purchasing a firearms silencer.

Court documents reveal some of the conversations between Bolatete and the detective, including that Bolatete did not plan to survive the shooting, instead mentioning a 'suicide by cops.'

He said he did not want paperwork associated with the sale, according to officials.

Bolatete has a green card and is a Philippines national, an FBI spokesperson said.

FBI officials said at no time was anyone at the Islamic Center of Northeast Florida at risk during the investigation.

A civil rights investigation is underway and Bolatete could face more charges, FBI officials said.

Cox Media Group