Alexander Lightner, 26, of Venice, Florida, United States posted online a series of threats to carry out mass violence on December 29, 2023. Prior to this, he had violations of probation conditions and convictions for reckless driving with damage and causing damage to property.
On January 5, 2024, Federal Bureau of Investigation agents executed a search warrant at Lightner’s residence in Venice and found a firearm silencer in a laundry hamper in his bedroom, which he shared with his brother. The firearm does not appear to have serial numbers or markings in reference to a maker or manufacture.
In the bedroom, the agents found propaganda about white supremacist and accelerationist ideology. Lightner admitted to them that he was drunk when he made the social media posts on December 29, 2023 and he made the silencer in 2009.
Photos of the silencer were provided to a Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives expert, who determined that it appears to qualify as a firearm. A record search shows no registration of any firearm or silencer by Lightner in the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record.
On January 8, 2024, Lightner was arrested and charged with transmitting a threat and possessing an unregistered silencer. He tested positive for the use of cocaine upon arrest.
CONAN Daily 