VENICE, Fla. – A 19-year-old Venice man has been arrested after investigators say he planned to carry out a mass shooting at a local church and take hostages.
According to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, Giovanni Pimienta, 19, was arrested on charges of:
- Written Threats to Kill
- Threats to Bomb or Conduct a Mass Shooting
- Unlawful Use of a Two-Way Communication Device to Commit a Felony
Investigation Began Through FBI Task Force
The investigation began after an FDLE special agent received information through the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force indicating that Pimienta had been communicating online about obtaining weapons, carrying out a mass shooting, and glorifying previous mass shootings.
As the investigation progressed, authorities said investigators discovered an artificial intelligence-generated video supporting his intent to commit a mass shooting, along with a manifesto that had been published on social media.
Search Warrant Uncovers Alleged Plot
On Aug. 7, FDLE special agents, crime intelligence analysts, forensic analysts, and the agency’s Special Operations Team executed a search warrant at Pimienta’s residence.
During the search, agents seized a handgun and multiple electronic devices.
According to investigators, evidence gathered during the search indicated Pimienta held a grievance against a local church and was allegedly planning to use the handgun to take hostages during a mass shooting.
Multiple Agencies Assisted
The investigation was conducted by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement with assistance from:
- Federal Bureau of Investigation
- Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office
- Venice Police Department
The case will be prosecuted by the Office of the State Attorney for Florida’s 12th Judicial Circuit.
The investigation remains active, and additional information may be released as it becomes available.
FDLE encourages anyone who observes suspicious activity to report it by calling 855-FLA-SAFE or 911.