A Maumee resident was placed into custody on February 10, 2020, without incident at his place of residence by law enforcement. Ryan James Gagnet, 22 years old, is charged with interstate communication of a threat to injure.

On February 5, 2020, the Chicago Field Office of the FBI viewed a publicly-available social media account that contained a screenshot of a user from another social media platform who wrote, “Hi. It’s going to be even more scary tomorrow. Because I’m going to be on the news. Commit a mass shooting. In Shorewood Illinois.” An initial investigation determined that the user making this post resided in Maumee, Ohio.

The FBI Cleveland Division, Toledo Resident Agency’s Joint Terrorism Task Force was contacted and began working with the Maumee Police Department, Lucas County Sheriff’s Office, and the Village of Sherwood, Illinois, Police Department.

Ryan James Gagnet was interviewed and admitted to telling people on the identified social media site that “there may be a mass shooting at some point” and that he would “just see how (are) their frightened reactions.”

FBI Cleveland Special Agent in Charge Eric Smith said, “Any post that threatens the lives of others will receive a prompt law enforcement response. Citizens need to be able to go about their everyday lives without the fear of being a victim of a mass shooting. Law enforcement will continue to collaborate and utilize all necessary resources to protect others, it is our number one priority.”

“Every person in this country deserves to feel safe in their community,” said United States Attorney Justin Herdman. “Any alleged threat to conduct a mass shooting will result in swift law enforcement action and appropriate federal charges.”

“The Shorewood Police Department requested FBI assistance with the communicated threat on February 5th,” said Sherwood Police Chief Aaron Klima. “Early analysis revealed a multi-state investigation necessitating widespread networking to determine the location and viability of the threat. The Shorewood Police Department greatly appreciates the assistance of the FBI in identifying the offender and bringing him to justice.”

“I would like to commend the FBI for their valuable partnership and for quickly mitigating any threat this individual may have presented,” said Maumee Police Chief David Tullis.

A charge is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

Any questions regarding this press release should be directed to SA Vicki Anderson at 216-522-1400 or vagregg@fbi.gov.