Man allegedly threatened to "open fire" with machine gun at rally

Authorities have arrested an Ocean County man for allegedly threatening to shoot a gun at a rally in support of stricter gun control laws.

AP photo

AP photo

Authorities have arrested an Ocean County man for allegedly threatening to shoot a gun at a rally in support of stricter gun control laws.

Shane Steele, 42, of Lakewood, is facing a charge of terroristic threats, according to an Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office news release.

Prosecutors saw the investigation began after a civilian contacted the Manalapan Police Department on Feb. 19 and reported that Steele allegedly authored a post on Facebook stating his intent to open fire with a machine gun at a “March For Our Lives” rally.

Rallies for stricter gun control laws were organized after the Feb. 14 mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida.

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“March For Our Lives” events are slated for March 24 worldwide. Prosecutors did not specify whether the alleged threat was directed at a specific event or on March 24.

Authorities conducted an “extensive search” of Steel’s residence that did not uncover any firearms, according to the news release.

He was released on a summons to answer the charge at a future date, authorities said.

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