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2 Arrested After Alleged Threats on Pokémon World Championships

The Boston Police Department arrested two men on Saturday after they allegedly threatened violence at the Pokémon World Championships this weekend.

The Boston Police Department (BPD) said in a statement that it arrested 18-year-old Kevin Norton and 27-year-old James Stumbo after finding a 12-gauge Remington shotgun, a DPMS Model AR-15 rifle, several hundred rounds of ammunition, and a hunting knife in the car they used to drive from Iowa to Boston. According to the police, neither Norton nor Stumbo possessed licenses for the firearms, and they were arrested on charges of unlawful possession of a firearm, unlawful possession of ammunition, and other firearm charges.

The Pokémon Company listed Kevin Norton and James Stumbo as invitees to the Masters Division of the championships as of last week, although the company's website has since removed their names. The championships had nearly 1,000 invitees this year.

On a public Facebook page called "Mayhem Pokémon Crew," Stumbo allegedly posted a photo of a white sedan with two firearms set atop the trunk of a white sedan on Wednesday. The post said, “Kevin Norton and I are ready for worlds Boston here we come!!!” When a group member posted wishing the two men luck, Norton allegedly responded, “With killing the competition?”

The Pokémon Company were made aware of the alleged threats, and informed the security at the Hynes Convention Center, where the event took place, on Thursday. The convention center's security personnel then contacted the Boston Police Department. It also increased security in the event. The suspects were barred from entering the event on Thursday evening. Boston police executed a search warrant on the suspects' vehicle on Friday, finding and recovering the weapons. The BPD then collaborated with the police in the nearby town of Saugus to arrest the two suspects at a hotel in that town.

The FBI is assisting the Boston Police Department with the investigation. Norton and Stumbo's arraignment is scheduled for Monday in Boston Municipal Court.

Thanks to Dessa and Spikesgrrl for the news tips

Source: Fox Boston, The Boston Globe via Heavy