Near Kenosha, Alleged Blue Lives Matter Members Arrested With Several Firearms
Two men from Missouri, who are believed to be proponents of the Blue Lives Matter campaign, have been taken into custody after law enforcement officials were informed that they were entering Kenosha with a “major cache of firearms and weapons.”
In Iowa, police officers have received a tip regarding two men travelling from Missouri to Kenosha are in possession of guns. Following this, Iowa officials informed the police in Kenosha regarding the same. The tipster, who has not been identified, also stated that he was informed that one of the men was headed to Kenosha “with the intention of possibly using the firearms on people.”
Moreover, in one of the texts, an individual shared a picture where we could be seen holding a rifle, “with a drum-style magazine,” along with the message “This is the game changer.” This individual was identified as 40-year-old Michael M. Karmo.
After receiving the initial tip, police officers found pictures on what is believed to be Karmo’s Facebook page, which displayed several firearms. In one particular picture, Karmo is reported to be holding a gun in front of a Blue Lives Matter-themed flag.
Moreover, according to law enforcement officers, Karmo stated that he plans to “take action” in response to defunding of police departments.
On Tuesday, Karmo and 33-year-old Cody E. Smith were arrested at a hotel near Kenosha. Both of them were charged with illegal possession of firearms and reports state they were found with weapons including an AR-15, a shotgun, multiple handguns, a saw, a dagger, and magazines, along with body armor and a drone.
According to the complaint, the FBI stated that Karmo informed them of their plans to travel to Portland, Oregon. It is also reported that both the men are possibly members of the 417 Second Amendment Militia.
