On June 6, 2018, a man was arrested by Las Vegas police for allegedly threatening a mass shooting at Game 5 of the Stanley Cup Final between the Vegas Golden Knights and the Washington Capitals. The incident occurred just days after a deadly shooting at a high school in Santa Fe, Texas, which left 10 people dead and another 13 injured.
According to reports, the man in question, 28-year-old Kelsey Barlow, had sent threatening messages to a friend via Facebook Messenger. The messages reportedly included statements such as “I’m killing everyone at Game 5” and “I have a gun and I’m going to shoot up the place.” The friend immediately contacted the police, who were able to track down Barlow and take him into custody.
Barlow was charged with making a terrorist threat and was held on $500,000 bail. He later pleaded guilty to the charge and was sentenced to one to five years in prison. In addition, he was ordered to undergo mental health treatment and was banned from attending any future Golden Knights games.
The incident sparked widespread concern among fans and officials alike, as it came at a time when mass shootings were becoming all too common in the United States. In response, the NHL released a statement condemning Barlow’s actions and emphasizing the league’s commitment to ensuring the safety of its fans.
“We take all threats seriously and will continue to work closely with law enforcement to ensure the safety of our fans and players,” the statement read. “We urge all fans to report any suspicious activity to the authorities immediately.”
The incident also prompted increased security measures at T-Mobile Arena, where the game was held. Fans were subject to bag checks and metal detector screenings, and additional police officers were stationed throughout the arena.
While incidents like this are rare, they serve as a reminder of the importance of remaining vigilant and reporting any suspicious activity to the authorities. As sports fans, it is our responsibility to ensure the safety of ourselves and those around us, and to take any threats seriously. By working together with law enforcement and taking proactive measures, we can help prevent tragedies from occurring and ensure that everyone can enjoy the excitement of live sports in a safe and secure environment.
