OSHKOSH, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — An Oshkosh man who described himself has the “next mass shooter” is facing federal firearm charges.
Whittier P. Ives, 53, is accused of unlawfully possessing a firearm.
According to the indictment, Ives is prohibited from possessing a firearm due to a court-ordered mental health commitment issued by a Winnebago County judge in April of 2022 and due to prior felony convictions in the State of California.
According to court documents, on June 4, 2022, an individual contacted the Omro Police Department and reported that Ives was loading ammunition, magazines, and a long gun into his vehicle. Ives showed the individual a picture of a person on his phone and stated that he was “going to kill him, along with another person and a bunch of other people.” Ives stated he knew these individuals were, at that time, in a “club in Appleton.” Ives further stated that he “had nothing to live for” and “will be the next mass shooter.”
After receiving the tip, Omro law enforcement officers saw a vehicle matching the description of Ives’ vehicle. A traffic stop was initiated, and a search of the vehicle uncovered boxes of ammunition and numerous magazines. In addition, officers recovered a Shield Arms multicaliber SA-15 semi-automatic rifle.
If convicted of possessing the firearm, Ives faces up to 10 years of imprisonment and a $250,000 fine.
