Police Thwart Mass Shooting At Vegas Golden Knights Game Tuesday Night, After Suspect Threatened “Mandalay Bay massacre part duex”

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA — A man in Las Vegas, identified as 33-year-old Matthew DeSavio, was apprehended by local law enforcement following threats of a mass shooting during the Stanley Cup Final. The threats were reported to authorities Tuesday midday by an individual who claimed DeSavio had been stalking them for approximately ten years. DeSavio was apprehended at a local business shortly after.

Online threats were also detected, with DeSavio posting messages on Facebook stating intentions to disrupt the game. One chilling post indicated his desire for a repeat of the Mandalay Bay shooting incident, referring to the mass shooting during the Route 91 Harvest Festival in 2017 where 60 people lost their lives.

“I’m coming for you guys tonight and I hope you get every [expletive] police officer in Vegas Golden Knights there to defend you!” one message said, according to police. “Hope Sin City is ready for the Mandalay Bay massacre part duex [sic].”

Additional Facebook users alerted the police to DeSavio’s threatening posts, one of which explicitly stated his intentions to cause harm at the T-Mobile Arena, the Stanley Cup venue. DeSavio was detained by law enforcement five hours prior to the match’s commencement.

DeSavio’s arrest history includes prior instances of stalking and harassment. Furthermore, a disturbing Facebook post reported to the police in October 2022 showed DeSavio threatening a similar act of violence. DeSavio reportedly had expressed a desire to drive his vehicle into the Mandalay Bay at the time. A subsequent court order had him undergo a mental health evaluation.

DeSavio remained in custody for an extended period awaiting treatment. Due to procedural delays in his transfer to a behavioral health facility, the judge dismissed the charges and DeSavio was released from custody in April. Following the recent threats, DeSavio now faces charges of stalking, making false threats of terrorism, aggravated stalking, and violating a temporary protection order.

DeSavio declined to be transported from the Clark County Detention Center to the Regional Justice Center for his initial court appearance. His hearing has been rescheduled for June 20, with bail not set at the time of reporting. Law enforcement did not comment on DeSavio’s access to firearms but stated they were cognizant of the threat he posed.