Extremist Gathering Planned at Lee Circle; Gunman Spotted On Roof Overlooking Monument Avenue
Outraged by the recent occupation of the Lee Circle by demonstrators and associated vandalism of the pedestal base several 2A/militia and other confederate aligned interest groups posted organizing messages to social media. The plan laid out online involved overwhelming the Robert E. Lee monument grounds with a large number of their aligned members, specifically heavily armed members.
The messages posted on social media went viral with thousands of shares and people indicating their interest in participating. Prior to the date of the event the initiating organizer Manolo Vega withdrew his plans and backtracked on the endeavor. Nonetheless a few events still existed on social media outlets with several dozen indicating interest or plans to attend.
Fearing a confrontation demonstrators who had been occupying the Lee Circle grounds for several weeks were on high alert the morning of Saturday June 20th. Around 6:30 AM an individual was spotted on the roof of the former Lee Medical Building which had been closed and is currently under renovation. Police were immediately called to investigate the situation. Around 7:47 Police were preparing to enter the building when the suspect Riley O’Shaughnessey was spotted outside the structure and taken into custody.
Police later identified the apprehended suspect as an officer employed by the Richmond International Airport police department. At the time of his arrest he was in lawful possession of a firearm but was not carrying any identification indicating he was a law enforcement officer.
The Capital Region Airport Commission offered no comment as to why their officer was located on the roof of a Monument Avenue building.
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