Culture
22 Aug 22

Potential mass shooter arrested at Washington festival

Image: Luis Colato.

The 3-day festival began on Friday, August 19th but was marred by the arrest of a suspected shooter.

A man was arrested at Bass Canyon EDM festival on August 19th, as police believe he was the perpetrator of a potential mass shooting.

The man has now been identified as 30-year-old Jonathon Moody. Witnesses claim he was seen "inhaling an unknown substance" from a balloon, and loading two 9mm pistols with ammunition. He then approached concertgoers to ask when the event would end, and where people would be exiting. Multiple witnesses reported this to the County Sheriff and the festival authorities.

Moody was apprehended by the authorities outside the venue and arrested on suspicion of one count of possession of a dangerous weapon and one count of unlawful carrying or handling of a weapon. He is currently being held at Grant County Jail.

The 3-day EDM festival in Washington was sold out, with over 25,000 people in attendance. Moody never made it inside the venue and no one was injured, due to the reporting from witnesses.

The County Sheriff's office released a statement thanking both the concertgoers and the venue security. They reminded everyone, "If you see something, say something. Citizens saw something completely out of place for the circumstances and notified security, who in turn notified deputies. That combination of situational awareness along with noticing 'something does not fit' resulted in a possible tragedy being prevented."

Bass Canyon also made a statement: "Safety is our top priority. Thank you to the fans who reported him, and the venue security and sheriff's department for handling the situation. Always look out for each other, stay safe, and remember, if you see something, say something."