A fistfight at a high school graduation in Michigan escalated into a serious security threat, leading to a search for a 20-year-old suspect, Jamarion Jaryante Hardiman. Oakland County officials labeled the incident as an attempted mass shooting at the Arts and Technology Academy of Pontiac (ATAP) graduation, which occurred at the United Wholesale Mortgage property on Tuesday. Hardiman, currently on probation for a weapons offense, is being sought by authorities, while a 19-year-old suspect, whose identity is withheld pending charges, is in custody.
The situation unfolded when deputies were called to the event around 6:40 p.m. amid reports of a fight. A critical tip came from a family member who informed deputies about a threatening Snapchat post suggesting a shooting at the ceremony. Although the exact wording was not available since it was deleted, it allegedly stated intentions to “shoot up the crowd.”
Authorities identified both suspects as participants in the fight and noted they were seen placing packages under vehicles in the parking lot. Working alongside UWM security, deputies recovered two loaded firearms: a pink AR-style pistol and a Glock semiautomatic handgun, each equipped with high-capacity magazines, indicating a potential disaster had they been utilized during the graduation.
While the physical altercation was quickly managed, the motivation behind the attempted shooting remains unclear, particularly as involved parties are not cooperating with the investigation. Although the graduation proceeded without further incident, Sheriff Michael Bouchard urged community members to assist in locating Hardiman, emphasizing the importance of public safety and advising against direct engagement with the suspect.
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