Texas transgender suspect plotted ‘mass casualty attack’ targeting police: FBI

On Monday, local and federal law enforcement in Texas successfully thwarted a potential attack that authorities described as resembling the tragic 2016 Dallas police ambush, which resulted in the deaths of five officers. A suspect, identified as 21-year-old Seth “Andrea” Gregori, was arrested on a warrant for making terroristic threats against Corpus Christi Police Department (CCPD) officers. The arrest was the result of a collaborative effort between the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the CCPD, who acted swiftly after receiving disturbing information about Gregori’s intentions. The case serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing threats faced by law enforcement and the importance of vigilance in preventing violence.

According to authorities, Gregori, who was born male but identifies as female, had been under investigation after a tipster reported concerning behavior. The individual who came forward alerted police that Gregori had been acting suspiciously, taking photos of officers in the downtown Corpus Christi area and had recently purchased an AR-style rifle. This pattern of behavior raised immediate red flags, prompting the FBI to launch an investigation. The bureau ultimately secured a warrant for Gregori’s arrest, which was carried out without incident on Monday morning at 9:25 a.m. Gregori was taken into custody and charged with making terroristic threats that impede public service or cause public fear or serious bodily injury, as well as criminal trespass. As of Tuesday morning, Gregori was being held at the Nueces County Jail on a bond of $50,500.

The FBI’s Houston office revealed that Gregori’s alleged plan was modeled after the devastating 2016 Dallas ambush, a chilling parallel that underscores the potential severity of the threat. On July 7, 2016, during a Black Lives Matter protest in downtown Dallas, Micah Xavier Johnson, a 25-year-old U.S. Army reservist, carried out a deadly sniper attack targeting police officers. The attack, which occurred during a peaceful protest against police brutality, resulted in the deaths of five law enforcement officers and injured seven others. The officers killed were Dallas Police Department (DPD) Officers Lorne Ahrens, Michael Krol, Michael Smith, and Patrick Zamarripa, as well as Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) Officer Brent Thompson. The tragedy sent shockwaves across the nation, sparking widespread grief and outrage.

Johnson, who was motivated by a deep-seated anger toward law enforcement and racial tensions, was killed by police after a prolonged standoff. In a desperate attempt to apprehend him, Dallas Police Chief David O. Brown authorized the use of a bomb delivered by a remote-controlled robot, marking the first time such a tactic had been used in U.S. law enforcement history. Johnson’s actions were widely condemned, and the attack remains one of the deadliest incidents targeting law enforcement in modern U.S. history. For many, the 2016 ambush symbolized the escalation of violence against police officers and the fraught relationship between law enforcement and certain communities.

Gregori’s alleged plan to replicate such a heinous act highlights the enduring challenges faced by law enforcement in identifying and preventing threats. The tipster who alerted authorities to Gregori’s suspicious behavior played a crucial role in preventing a potential tragedy. By reporting their concerns, this individual demonstrated the importance of community involvement in public safety. The case also underscores the tireless efforts of law enforcement agencies to protect the public, often working behind the scenes to disrupt threats before they materialize.

As authorities continue to investigate Gregori’s motivations and background, the incident serves as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by law enforcement officers every day. The 2016 Dallas ambush and similar incidents remind us of the dangers faced by those sworn to protect and serve, as well as the resilience of communities in the face of tragedy. While the arrest of Seth Gregori is a testament to the effectiveness of law enforcement collaboration, it also raises questions about the root causes of such violence and the need for continued dialogue to address the complexities of race, justice, and public safety.