Officials ID Gunman Killed Outside Garland Muhammed Cartoon Contest
One of the suspects from yesterday’s shooting at an anti-Muslim cartoon contest in Garland, Texas, has been identified as Elton Simpson, a Phoenix resident who was convicted of terror-related charges in 2010.
The Los Angeles Times reports that in 2010 Simpson was found guilty of making the false statements to the FBI about his apparent plans to go to Somalia to engage in jihad. He received three years probation.
Shortly before the attack, Simpson reportedly sent out a tweet claiming responsibility for the attack. His account has since been suspended, though it reportedly included several retweets from ISIS-related accounts.
UPDATE 11:12 am: Garland Officer Joe Harn spoke at a press conference about the shooting this morning.
Both suspects had assault rifles. Started shooting at police car outside event. Officers returned fire and struck both men. #garlandshooting
May 4, 2015
Police: Officer used his pistol to shoot and kill 2 gunmen who were armed with assault rifles in Texas attack: "He did a very good job."
May 4, 2015
Harn: Both men died outside their car. #garlandshooting
May 4, 2015
No bombs were found at the scene, Harn said. The organizers of Jihad Watch Muhammad Art Exhibit and Cartoon Contest paid $10,000 for additional security, according to Harn, and planning for the event began two months ago.
[Image via AP]
