Mack Davis of Owosso admits to planning a mass killing fueled by anti-LGBTQ+ hatred and faces life imprisonment after law enforcement thwarted the chilling scheme.
Hate-Fueled Plot Disrupted Before Tragedy Struck
LANSING – A Michigan man, Mack Davis, 22, of Owosso, pleaded guilty on Tuesday to committing a federal hate crime after attempting to carry out a mass killing targeting the LGBTQ+ community. Davis admitted to planning attacks on a political party headquarters and a nearby bar, both of which he associated with gay individuals.
“This defendant amassed an arsenal of firearms, ammunition, and bomb-making parts to commit heinous violence against the LGBTQ+ community,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “This kind of hate-fueled violence runs contrary to our values as Americans.”
Davis’s plan involved extensive preparation and surveillance of his intended targets, culminating in a terrifying arsenal and hateful rhetoric that prompted swift intervention by law enforcement. Davis is currently being held at the Shiawassee County Jail.
Hate-Driven Violence and Months of Preparation
According to court documents, Mack Davis began his plot in July 2023, conducting online research and glorifying mass killers on social media. By June 2024, Davis had completed his list of weapons and tactical gear, amassing two firearms, hundreds of rounds of ammunition, a crossbow, bomb-making materials, smoke grenades, tactical clothing, and knives—one inscribed with an anti-gay slur.
Between April and June 2024, Davis solidified his plan. He surveilled and posted about two intended targets online, referring to one as a “faggot bar” and the other as “Location 1,” filled with “far-left liberal, faggot scum.” He also vandalized the cars of gay neighbors and test-fired an illegal short-barreled rifle into neighboring properties.
Law enforcement thwarted Davis’s plan in June 2024 when the Owosso Police Department arrested him after he fired bullets into his neighbors’ homes and properties. Following his arrest, Davis was transferred to federal custody, where he has remained.
Federal Charges and Maximum Penalty
Davis’s guilty plea includes acknowledgment of attempting to commit a hate crime involving an intent to kill, which carries a maximum sentence of life in prison. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled, with a federal judge determining the sentence based on the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
“This case underscores the Justice Department’s commitment to prosecuting bias-motivated violence and protecting the LGBTQ+ community,” added U.S. Attorney Dawn N. Ison for the Eastern District of Michigan. “Davis’s plans were chilling, and law enforcement acted decisively to prevent a catastrophic attack.”
Law Enforcement and Community Impact
The investigation, led by the FBI Detroit Field Office with support from the Owosso Police Department, ATF, and Michigan State Police, highlights the collaborative effort required to prevent hate-driven violence.
“Mack Davis’s guilty plea is a stark reminder of the real threat posed by hate-fueled violence,” said Special Agent in Charge Cheyvoryea Gibson of the FBI Detroit Field Office. “This case reaffirms our commitment to protecting vulnerable communities.”
Davis’s arrest and guilty plea send a strong message to those who would incite violence against marginalized groups. Advocates for LGBTQ+ rights emphasized the importance of holding perpetrators of hate crimes accountable to deter similar acts.
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