A 20-year-old man from Carlsbad, California, has been detained on allegations of planning a mass shooting at a government building, reportedly in coordination with a school shooting carried out by 15-year-old Natalie “Samantha” Rupnow in Madison, Wisconsin, earlier this week.
According to CBS 8, FBI agents served Alexander Paffendorf with a gun violence restraining order after uncovering communications between him and Rupnow that detailed plans for an attack.
The restraining order, a civil action under California’s red flag laws, permits law enforcement to seize weapons from individuals deemed a threat.
Paffendorf reportedly admitted during an FBI interview that he had communicated with Rupnow about arming himself with explosives and firearms to target a local government building.
The restraining order cited these admissions and the FBI’s discovery of messages between the two as evidence.
The restraining order, approved by a San Diego Superior Court judge late Tuesday night, required Paffendorf to surrender any firearms and ammunition within 48 hours.
While the civil order did not specify the intended target or details of Paffendorf’s exchanges with Rupnow, the FBI’s intervention highlights the increasing reliance on proactive measures, such as red flag laws, to address potential threats.
Neighbors reported seeing a heavy police presence at Paffendorf’s residence shortly after the restraining order was signed. Alex Gallegos, a neighbor, described the scene to CBS 8:
“They had their full guns out all over the street. There were cop cars—about 15 officers here,” Gallegos said.
Law enforcement officials were seen removing a “black gun box” from Paffendorf’s home, presumably containing firearms. Gallegos noted, “It’s pretty wild and scary that this could happen so close to home.”
The FBI’s involvement underscores the agency’s efforts to prevent acts of violence through surveillance and early intervention. Agents reportedly obtained evidence of the coordination between Paffendorf and Rupnow, leading to swift action to prevent further harm.
The incident comes in the wake of Monday’s tragic school shooting in Madison, Wisconsin, perpetrated by Rupnow, a 15-year-old student.
Authorities have yet to disclose the full extent of Rupnow’s motivations or her connection to Paffendorf, though evidence suggests the two were in contact and had discussed their respective plans.
The events have left the local community in Carlsbad shaken. The rapid police response and seizure of weapons have sparked conversations about the importance of vigilance and the effectiveness of red flag laws in preventing potential tragedies.
Paffendorf’s detention highlights the growing use of preventative measures in law enforcement to address threats before they materialize.
While details of the planned attack remain undisclosed, the swift action taken by authorities may have averted a devastating incident.
As investigations continue, the case underscores the importance of interagency cooperation and proactive measures to ensure public safety in the face of potential threats.