Authorities stop a mass shooting at a graduation ceremony

PONTIAC, MI – Authorities in Michigan have successfully thwarted a potential tragedy, preventing what they believe could have been a mass shooting at a high school graduation. Two suspects are now in custody following a tense multi-day search, police announced.

The alleged plot came to light on Tuesday during the commencement ceremony for the Arts and Technology Academy of Pontiac. Officers were initially called to the scene in response to a physical altercation. During their investigation, they received a tip-off about a threatening message on Snapchat, indicating plans to target the graduation event.

A comprehensive search of the area uncovered two loaded firearms hidden beneath vehicles in the parking lot. One weapon, a pink AR-style rifle outfitted with an aiming device, was among the arsenal. Each firearm was equipped with high-capacity magazines, capable of holding 40 rounds, and both were ready to fire.

Authorities quickly traced the threat back to 19-year-old DaVon Why, who was apprehended without incident. A second suspect, 20-year-old Jamarian Hardan, was taken into custody later in the week. Both individuals are known to law enforcement, with one having a prior weapons offense and currently on probation.

The school confirmed that a brief scuffle broke out during the ceremony but credited the swift actions of staff and security for maintaining order. “Thankfully, no one within the ceremony was harmed,” a school representative stated, emphasizing that the event concluded peacefully.

Neither suspect was a student at the Arts and Technology Academy, yet the incident has stirred memories of past violence in Michigan schools. It comes nearly two years after the Oxford High School shooting, where a student opened fire, resulting in four fatalities and multiple injuries.

The quick response by law enforcement and the community’s vigilance likely averted a devastating outcome.